# David Rizzio

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{{Short description|Italian courtier (1533–1566)}}
{{Use British English|date=August 2014}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2014}}

{{Infobox person
| image              = David Rizzio.png
| caption            = Seventeenth-century portrait traditionally said to be of Rizzio.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Portrait of a man known as David Rizzio |url=http://www.royalcollection.org.uk/microsites/maryqueenofscots/object.asp?row=5&exhibs=MQOSfeatures&item=6 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130823132432/http://www.royalcollection.org.uk/microsites/maryqueenofscots/object.asp?row=5&exhibs=MQOSfeatures&item=6 |archive-date=23 August 2013 |access-date=4 December 2024 |website=Royal Collection}}</ref> Contemporary accounts describe him as ugly, short and hunch-backed.<ref>{{cite book|first=Antonia|last=Fraser|author-link=Antonia Fraser|year=1994|orig-year=1969|title=Mary Queen of Scots| publisher=Weidenfeld and Nicolson|location=London|isbn=0-297-17773-7|page=236}}</ref>
| birth_date         = {{circa|1533}}
| birth_place        = [Pancalieri](/source/Pancalieri), Italy
| death_date         = 9 March 1566
| death_place        = [Holyrood Palace](/source/Holyrood_Palace), [Edinburgh](/source/Edinburgh), Scotland
}}

'''David Rizzio''' ({{IPAc-en|ˈ|r|ɪ|t|s|i|oʊ}} {{respell|RIT|see|oh}}; {{langx|it|Davide Rizzio}} {{IPA|it|ˈdaːvide ˈrittsjo|}}; {{c.|1533}} – 9 March 1566)<ref>{{cite DNB |wstitle=Riccio, David |volume=48 |pages=98–100 |first=Thomas Finlayson |last=Henderson}}</ref> or '''Riccio''' ({{IPAc-en|ˈ|r|ɪ|tʃ|i|oʊ}} {{respell|RITCH|ee|oh}}, {{IPA|it|ˈrittʃo|lang}}) was an Italian [courtier](/source/courtier) and the private secretary of [Mary, Queen of Scots](/source/Mary%2C_Queen_of_Scots). Mary's husband, [Lord Darnley](/source/Henry_Stuart%2C_Lord_Darnley), is said to have been jealous of their friendship because of rumours that Rizzio had impregnated Mary,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Reddit - Please wait for verification |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/Tudorhistory/comments/17v9y42/in_history_today_and_found_out_mary_queen_of/ |access-date=2026-04-06 |website=www.reddit.com}}</ref> and he joined in a conspiracy of [Protestant](/source/Protestant) nobles to murder him, led by [Patrick Ruthven, 3rd Lord Ruthven](/source/Patrick_Ruthven%2C_3rd_Lord_Ruthven).  Mary was having dinner with Rizzio and a few ladies-in-waiting when Darnley joined them, accused his wife of adultery and then had a group murder Rizzio,<ref>''Mary, Queen of Scots'', by [Antonia Fraser](/source/Antonia_Fraser), 1969</ref> who was hiding behind Mary. Mary was held at gunpoint and Rizzio was stabbed numerous times. His body took 57 [dagger](/source/dagger) wounds.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021 |title=David Rizzio |url=https://www.scottish-places.info/people/famousfirst372.html |access-date=4 December 2024 |website=Gazetteer for Scotland |publisher=The Editors of The Gazetteer for Scotland}}</ref> The murder was the catalyst of the downfall of Darnley, and had serious consequences for Mary's subsequent reign.<ref>[Michael Questier](/source/Michael_Questier), ''Dynastic Politics and the British Reformations, 1558-1630'' (Oxford, 2019), p. 58.</ref>

==Career==
Rizzio was born in [Pancalieri](/source/Pancalieri) close to [Turin](/source/Turin), a descendant of an ancient and noble family still living in [Piedmont](/source/Piedmont), the Riccio Counts of [San Paolo e Solbrito](/source/San_Paolo_Solbrito).

Rizzio (whose name appears in Italian records as Davide Riccio di Pancalieri in Piemonte) went first from [Turin](/source/Turin) to the Court of the [Duke of Savoy](/source/Duke_of_Savoy), then at [Nice](/source/Nice). However, finding no opportunities for advancement there, he found means in 1561 to get himself admitted into the train of [Carlo Ubertino Solaro, Count of Moretta](/source/Carlo_Ubertino_Solaro%2C_Count_of_Moretta), who was about to lead an embassy to [Scotland](/source/Scotland).<ref>Alexandre Labanoff, [https://archive.org/details/lettresinstructi07maryuoft/page/n75/mode/2up ''Lettres de Marie Stuart'', 7 (London, 1844), p. 65]: John Parker Lawson, [https://digital.nls.uk/publications-by-scottish-clubs/archive/79606237 ''History of Scotland by Robert Keith'', 2 (Edinburgh, 1845), pp. 125–6]</ref><ref>[Alexandre Teulet](/source/Alexandre_Teulet), ''Papiers d'État Relatifs à l'Histoire de l'Écosse'', 2 (Paris: Plon, Bannatyne Club, 1852), p. 50.</ref> This occurred thanks to his connections with Gerolamo della Rovere and Jean Morel— the latter being the recipient of the only extant letter written by him.<ref>Antonio Antico, "Nota sul rinvenimento di una lettera di Davide Riccio (1533–1566), piemontese e segretario di Maria Stuart", in ''Centri Studi Piemontesi'', LIII:2 (2024), pp. 525–532.</ref> The Count in Scotland had no employment for Rizzio and dismissed him. Rizzio however, had made friends with the Queen's musicians, who had come with her from France. [James Melville](/source/James_Melville_of_Halhill), a friend of Rizzio, said that "Her Majesty had three valets in her chamber, who sung three parts, and wanted a bass to sing the fourth part".{{sfnp|Hawkins|1778}}

Rizzio and Mary's musicians were employed as valets of her chamber and the royal accounts also call Rizzio her "chamber child". Other valets who were musicians include [Adrian Lefeau](/source/Adrian_Lefeau), John Adesoun (who played the lute), and [James Lauder](/source/James_Lauder_(musician)). Mary bought matching clothes for three lute players in February 1562.<ref>Gordon Donaldson, ''Accounts of the Thirds of Benefices'' (Edinburgh: SHS, 1949), pp. 100–102, James Balfour Paul, ''Accounts of the Treasurer'', 11 (Edinburgh, 1916), pp. 108–109, 158, 217.</ref> One of the "sangstaris" was called Missall.<ref>[Alma Calderwood](/source/Alma_Calderwood), ''Buik of the Kirk of the Canagait'' (SRS: Edinburgh, 1961), p. 35.</ref>

=== Secretary ===
Rizzio was considered a good musician and excellent singer, which brought him to the attention of the cosmopolitan young queen. Towards the end of 1564, having grown wealthy under her patronage, Rizzio became the queen's secretary for relations with France, replacing [Augustine Raullet](/source/Mademoiselle_Rallay).<ref>[Antonia Fraser](/source/Antonia_Fraser), ''Mary Queen of Scots'' (Phoenix Press, 2002), p. 294.</ref> [John Lesley](/source/John_Lesley) wrote that Rizzio was "a very able man of business" employed to write the Queen's "private letters in French, Italian, and Latin".<ref>William Forbes-Leith, ''Narratives of Scottish Catholics under Mary Stuart and James VI'' (London: Baker, 1889), pp. 93–94.</ref> Rizzio was ambitious, controlling access to the queen and seeing himself as almost a Secretary of State. Other courtiers felt that as a [Catholic](/source/Catholic_Church) and a foreigner he was too close to the queen.<ref>[Alexandre Teulet](/source/Alexandre_Teulet), [https://archive.org/details/papiersdetatpies02bann/page/50/mode/2up ''Papiers d'état'', vol. 2 (Paris, 1851), p. 50]</ref>

===Relationship with Darnley and with Mary===
Rizzio became an ally of Lord Darnley and helped with plans for his [marriage to Mary](/source/Wedding_of_Mary%2C_Queen_of_Scots%2C_and_Henry_Stuart%2C_Lord_Darnley).<ref>Thomas Thomson, ''Memoirs of his own Life by Sir James Melville'' (Edinburgh, 1827), pp. 134, 136.</ref> [George Buchanan](/source/George_Buchanan) described Rizzio gaining Darnley's favour. As their familiarity grew, Rizzio was admitted to Darnley's chamber, bed, and secret confidence.<ref>James Aikman, ''History of Scotland by George Buchanan'', 2 (Glasgow, 1827), p. 467</ref><ref>''History of Scotland by George Buchanan'' (London: Edward Jones, 1690), p. 172.</ref><ref>George Buchanan, ''Rerum Scoticarum historia'' (Edinburgh: John Paton, 1727), p. 528, "ut lectum, cubiculum, secretosque sermones".</ref> [David Calderwood](/source/David_Calderwood) later wrote that Rizzio had "insinuated himself in the favours of Lord Darnley so far, that they would lie some times in one bed together".<ref>David Calderwood, [https://archive.org/details/historyofkirkofs0002cald/page/286/mode/2up ''History of the Kirk of Scotland'', 2 (Edinburgh, 1844), p. 286]</ref>

George Buchanan wrote about events and plots in June 1565 before the royal wedding. He claims that Mary summoned her brother, the [Earl of Moray](/source/James_Stewart%2C_1st_Earl_of_Moray), to meet her at Perth. There, a quarrel between Moray and Darnley would escalate, Rizzio would strike the first blow, and others would ensure Moray was killed.<ref>James Aikman, ''History of Scotland by George Buchanan'', 2 (Glasgow, 1827), pp. 468–69.</ref> Thomas Randolph described this plan differently, and his version does not involve Rizzio. Moray however did not come to Perth, but stayed at [Lochleven Castle](/source/Lochleven_Castle). Rumours followed that Moray and the [Earl of Argyll](/source/Archibald_Campbell%2C_5th_Earl_of_Argyll) planned to kidnap Mary and Darnley as they passed by [Kinross](/source/Kinross).<ref>Robert Keith, [https://archive.org/details/historyofaffairs0002keit/page/300/mode/2up ''History of the affairs of church and state in Scotland'', vol. 2 (Edinburgh, 1844), pp. 300, 309–311]</ref><ref>David Hay Fleming, ''Mary Queen of Scots'' (London, 1897), 109, 354.</ref><ref>[Aeneas James George Mackay](/source/Aeneas_James_George_Mackay), [https://digital.nls.uk/publications-by-scottish-clubs/archive/107683963 ''Historie and cronicles of Scotland'', 2 (Edinburgh: STS, 1899), p. 182]</ref>

Before the [wedding of Mary and Darnley](/source/Wedding_of_Mary%2C_Queen_of_Scots%2C_and_Henry_Stuart%2C_Lord_Darnley), Rizzio was with the couple when they walked in disguise or [masque](/source/masque) costume on Edinburgh's [High Street](/source/Royal_Mile).<ref>Joseph Stevenson, ''Selections from unpublished manuscripts illustrating the reign of Mary Queen of Scotland'', pp. 119–120.</ref> After the marriage in July 1565, rumours became rife that Mary was having an adulterous affair with Rizzio.<ref>Robert Stedall, ''The Challenge to the Crown: The Struggle for Influence in the Reign of Mary Queen of Scots'' (Book Guild Publishing, 2012), p. 191.</ref> It was said (in 1568) that Mary and Darnley's love decayed after they returned from the campaign against Moray's rebellion, known as the [Chaseabout Raid](/source/Chaseabout_Raid), when Mary was "using the said David more like a lover than a servant, forsaking her husband's bed".<ref>[Thomas Finlayson Henderson](/source/Thomas_Finlayson_Henderson), [https://archive.org/details/maryqueenofscots02hend/page/654/mode/2up ''Mary, Queen of Scots: Her Environment and Tragedy'', 2 (New York, 1905), p. 654, modernised here]</ref> According to the report of a French diplomat, [Paul de Foix](/source/Paul_de_Foix), Darnley discovered Rizzio in the closet of Mary's bedchamber at Holyrood house in the middle of the night dressed only in a fur gown over his shirt.<ref>Alexander Teulet, [https://archive.org/details/relationspoliti05teulgoog/page/n277/mode/2up ''Relations Politiques'', 2 (Paris, 1862), p. 267]</ref> [George Buchanan](/source/George_Buchanan) included a similar story in his ''History'', that Darnley had a key to a secondary door to Mary's bedchamber, but found it locked or barred against him. Thereafter, he resolved to be revenged on Rizzio.<ref>James Aikman, ''History of Scotland by George Buchanan'', 2 (Glasgow, 1827), p. 478: ''Ane Cronickill of the Kingis of Scotland'' (Edinburgh: Bannatyne Club, 1830), p. 103.</ref>

Following Darnley's murder, Lord Ruthven, in the account known as ''Ruthven's Relation'', revealed that Darnley had described the circumstances of his jealousy to Mary. This account also focusses on Rizzio's presence in Mary's bedchamber:<blockquote>Since yon fellow Davie fell in credit and familiarity with your Majesty, you regarded me not, neither treated me nor entertained me after your wonted fashion; for every day before dinner, you would come to my chamber and pass time with me, and thus long time ye have not done done so; and when I come to your Majesty's chamber, you bear me little company, except Davie had been the third "marrow" [companion]: and after supper your Majesty hath a use to sit at cards with the said Davie till one or two of the clock after midnight; and this is the entertainment that I have had of you this long time.<ref>[David Hay Fleming](/source/David_Hay_Fleming), ''Mary Queen of Scots'' (London, 1897), 384 fn.41 quoting Ruthven's [https://archive.org/details/bim_early-english-books-1641-1700_a-relation-of-the-death-_ruthven-patrick-ruthven_1699/page/(30)/mode/2up ''Relation'' (London, 1699), p. 30] British Library Cotton Caligula B.IX (2) f.270.</ref></blockquote>

The chronicle account, the ''Historie of James the Sext'', tells the story in a different way, asserting that Mary's secretary, [William Maitland](/source/William_Maitland_of_Lethington) of [Lethington](/source/Lennoxlove), was jealous of Rizzio's increasing power. Maitland made Darnley jealous of Rizzio, hoping that the naive king-consort would destroy his rival.<ref>[https://digital.nls.uk/publications-by-scottish-clubs/archive/79587250 ''Historie of KIng James the Sext'' (Edinburgh, 1825), 4]</ref>

===Wealth, possessions and costume===
His annual salary for the post of valet was 150 Francs or £75 Scots.<ref>[Gordon Donaldson](/source/Gordon_Donaldson), ''Thirds of Benefices'' (Edinburgh, 1949), p. 155: [William Barclay Turnbull](/source/William_Barclay_Turnbull), ''Letters of Mary Stuart'' (London, 1845), p. xxxvi.</ref> The sum was paid from the "[Thirds of Benefices](/source/teind)" as were some other household expenses, and not through the [treasurer's accounts](/source/treasurer_of_Scotland).<ref>[John Parker Lawson](/source/John_Parker_Lawson), [https://archive.org/details/historyofaffairs30keit/page/384/mode/2up ''History of Scotland by Robert Keith'', 3 (Edinburgh: Spottiswoode Society, 1845), p. 385]</ref><ref>A. Francis Steuart, ''Seigneur Davie; a sketch life of David Riccio'' (London: Sands, 1922), p. 40.</ref> In 1565, Rizzio received £80 Scots in four installments paid by [George Wishart of Drymme](/source/George_Wishart_of_Drymme),<ref>Gordon Donaldson, ''Scotland's History: Approaches and Reflections'' (Scottish Academic Press, 1995), p. 63: [Charles Rogers](/source/Charles_Rogers_(author)), ''History of the Chapel Royal of Scotland'' (London, 1882), p. lxiv: ''Exchequer Rolls of Scotland'', vol. 19 (Edinburgh, 1898), p. 338.</ref><ref>Michael Pearce, "Account of George Wishart of Drymme", ''Miscellany of the Scottish History Society'', 17 (Edinburgh: SHS, 2025), pp. 1, 25–26, 28–29.</ref> and he was paid £80 as his pension in 1566.<ref>George Powell McNeill, ''Exchequer Rolls of Scotland'', vol. 19 (Edinburgh, 1898), p. 338.</ref>

Mary gave him gifts of rich fabric from her wardrobe, including black velvet figured with gold and five pieces of gold cloth figured with scales.<ref>Clare Hunter, ''Embroidering Her Truth: Mary, Queen of Scots and the Language of Power'' (London: Sceptre, 2022), pp. 157-8: Joseph Robertson, ''Inventaires de la Royne Descosse'' (Edinburgh, 1863), pp. 155, 159, 161: Thomas Thomson, ''Collection of Inventories'' (Edinburgh, 1815), pp. 147 item 118, 149 item 146.</ref> It was said that Rizzio took bribes. [William Douglas](/source/William_Douglas%2C_6th_Earl_of_Morton) of [Lochleven](/source/Lochleven_Castle) wrote that he offered Rizzio £5,000 to prevent the forfeit of the [Earl of Moray](/source/Regent_Moray), but Rizzio refused, saying he would not act for £20,000.<ref>[Margaret Sanderson](/source/Margaret_Sanderson), ''Mary Stewart's People'' (James Thin, 1987), p. 57: [David Hay Fleming](/source/David_Hay_Fleming), ''Mary Queen of Scots'' (London, 1897), p. 382.</ref> Rizzio's involvement with pardons for the Chaseabout rebels sparked Darnley's envy.<ref>Thomas Finlayson Henderson, [https://archive.org/details/maryqueenofscots02hend/page/654/mode/2up ''Mary, Queen of Scots: Her Environment and Tragedy'', 2 (New York, 1905), p. 654]</ref>

According to a letter of [Thomas Randolph](/source/Thomas_Randolph_(diplomat)), Rizzio took part in a costumed [masque](/source/masque) in February 1566 to celebrate the arrival of [Nicolas d'Angennes](/source/Nicolas_d'Angennes), seigneur de [Rambouillet](/source/Rambouillet), who brought the [Order of Saint Michael](/source/Order_of_Saint_Michael) for Darnley.<ref>''A Narrative of the Minority of Mary Queen of Scots by James Maitland'' (Ipswich, 1842): W. Park, 'Letter of Thomas Randolph to the Earl of Leicester, 14 February 1566', ''Scottish Historical Review'', 34:118 Part 2 (October 1955), pp. 135-139 at 138: [National Library of Scotland](/source/National_Library_of_Scotland) MS 3657.</ref>

Mary gave Rizzio £200 in January 1566 to refurbish his chamber at Holyrood Palace.<ref>James Balfour Paul, ''Accounts of the Treasurer'', 11, p. p. 462.</ref> After his murder, it was noted that Rizzio had been living in wealthy circumstances. He was said to have £2,000 Sterling in gold coins, good clothing including 18 pairs of velvet hose, and his chamber at Holyroodhouse was well-furnished with a variety of hand-guns described as daggs, pistolets, and arquebuses, besides 22 swords. He was said to be wearing a very rich jewel at his neck when he was killed and also a satin doublet and a furred damask night gown, perhaps the garment mentioned in the earlier French report.<ref>Henry Ellis, ''Original Letters'', series 1 vol. 2 (London, 1824), p. 218.</ref>

== Murder ==
[[File:John Opie (1761-1807) - The Murder of Rizzio - 49 - Guildhall Art Gallery.jpg|thumb|''[The Murder of Rizzio](/source/The_Murder_of_Rizzio)'' ([John Opie](/source/John_Opie), 1787)]]

Jealousy precipitated Rizzio's murder in the Queen's supper chamber in the [Palace of Holyroodhouse](/source/Palace_of_Holyroodhouse) at 8 o'clock on Saturday, 9 March 1566.<ref>Thomas Thomson, ''Memoirs of his own life'' (Edinburgh: Bannatyne Club, 1827), p. 149.</ref> Mary, Rizzio, [Jean Stewart, Countess of Argyll](/source/Lady_Jean_Stewart), [Robert Beaton](/source/Robert_Beaton_of_Creich) of [Creich](/source/Creich_Castle) and [Arthur Erskine](/source/Arthur_Erskine_of_Blackgrange) were seated at the supper table.<ref>[Henry Ellis](/source/Henry_Ellis_(librarian)), ''Original Letters'', series 1 vol. 2 (London, 1824), p. 210: John Parker Lawson, [https://digital.nls.uk/publications-by-scottish-clubs/archive/79609693 ''History of Scotland by Robert Keith'', 2 (Edinburgh, 1845), p. 413]</ref><ref>Retha M. Warnicke, ''Mary Queen of Scots'' (Routledge, 2006), p. 118.</ref> Darnley, according to [James Melville of Halhill](/source/James_Melville_of_Halhill), was leaning on Mary's chair.<ref>Thomas Thomson, ''Memoirs of his own life'' (Edinburgh: Bannatyne Club, 1827), p. 149.</ref> The supper room, which still exists as part of the bedchamber, and was then "a cabinet about XII [foot](/source/Foot_(unit)) square, in the same a little low reposinge bedde, and a table" according to an account of the murder written by [Francis, Earl of Bedford](/source/Francis_Russell%2C_2nd_Earl_of_Bedford), and [Thomas Randolph](/source/Thomas_Randolph_(ambassador)). The room had been decorated by Mary's servant [Servais de Condé](/source/Servais_de_Cond%C3%A9).<ref>''HMC Calendar of the manuscripts of the Most Honourable the Marquess of Salisbury preserved at Hatfield House, Hertfordshire'', vol. 1 (London, 1883), p. 333, and in [https://archive.org/details/queenelizabethhe01wriguoft/page/226 Thomas Wright, ''Queen Elizabeth and her Times'', vol. 1 (London, 1838), pp. 226-235].</ref>

On the night of the murder, the royal guards were overpowered and the palace was turned over to the control of the rebels. According to James Melville, the Earls of Bothwell and Huntly escaped from the palace by jumping from the window into the "little garden where the lions are lodged".<ref>Thomas Thomson, ''Memoirs of his own life'' (Edinburgh: Bannatyne Club, 1827), pp. 148–149.</ref> The Queen was six months pregnant (with [James VI](/source/James_VI)) at the time, and some accused Rizzio of having impregnated her. The rebels burst into the supper room, led by [Lord Ruthven](/source/Patrick_Ruthven%2C_3rd_Lord_Ruthven) and George Douglas, and demanded that Rizzio be handed over. The Queen refused. Rizzio then hid behind Mary, or held her about the waist, but was nevertheless seized.<ref>Thomas Thomson, ''Memoirs of his own life'' (Edinburgh: Bannatyne Club, 1827), p. 149.</ref>

Mary would allege that one of the intruders, [Patrick Bellenden](/source/Patrick_Bellenden_of_Stenhouse) (brother of the [Lord Justice Clerk](/source/John_Bellenden_(Lord_Justice_Clerk))), pointed his gun at her pregnant belly,<ref>Peter Anderson, ''Robert Stewart, Earl of Orkney Lord of Shetland'' (Edinburgh: John Donald, 1982), p. 48.</ref> while [Andrew Ker of Faldonside](/source/Andrew_Ker_of_Faldonside) threatened to stab her. Lord Ruthven denied this.<ref>Thomas Wright, ''Queen Elizabeth and her Times'', vol. 1 (London, 1838), pp. 229-30.</ref> [Anthony Standen](/source/Anthony_Standen_(spy)) later wrote that Bellenden drew his dagger at the Queen's left side and Standen disarmed him, while another man had a [snaphance](/source/snaphance) pistol which failed to fire.<ref>''HMC Calendar of the Manuscripts of the Marquis of Salisbury at Hatfield'', vol. 16 (London, 1933), p. 16.</ref><ref>Henry Ellis, ''Original Letters Illustrative of English History'', 1 (London, 1824), p. 213.</ref>

After this violent struggle, Rizzio was dragged through the bed-chamber into the adjacent audience chamber or outer hall.<ref>Thomas Thomson, ''Memoirs of his own life'' (Edinburgh: Bannatyne Club, 1827), p. 149.</ref> He was stabbed an alleged 57 times. His body was thrown down the main staircase nearby (now disused) and stripped of his jewels and fine clothes.<ref name="Daniel1">Daniel, William S. (1852), ''History of The Abbey and Palace of Holyrood'' (Edinburgh, 1852), p. 75.</ref> The location of Rizzio's murder is marked with a small plaque in the Audience Chamber, underneath which is a red mark on the floorboards, which reportedly was left when Rizzio was stabbed to death.<ref>[https://www.rct.uk/sites/default/files/Mary,%20Queen%20of%20Scots%20at%20the%20Palace%20of%20Holyroodhouse%20-%20Creative%20Writing%20Resource.pdf ''Mary, Queen of Scots at the Palace of Holyroodhouse: A Creative Writing Resource for Teachers''] – [Palace of Holyrood House](/source/Palace_of_Holyrood_House)</ref>

Rizzio was first buried in the cemetery of Holyrood Abbey.<ref>Joseph Stevenson, ''The History of Mary Stewart: From the Murder of Riccio Until Her Flight Into England by Claude Nau'' (Edinburgh, 1883), pp. 16, 227.</ref> Buchanan states that shortly afterwards his body was removed by the Queen's orders and deposited in the tomb of the kings of Scotland in Holyrood Abbey.<ref name="Daniel3">Daniel, William S. (1852), ''History of The Abbey and Palace of Holyrood'' (Edinburgh, 1852), p. 76.</ref> This strengthened the previous rumours of her familiarity with him.{{sfnp|Ruthen|1815}} Rumours circulated about the motive for the murder: that Darnley was jealous, or that powerful lords sought to manipulate Darnley and remove an irritating presence at court.

==Aftermath==
[[File:The Murder of David Rizzio.jpg|thumb|''[The Murder of David Rizzio](/source/The_Murder_of_David_Rizzio)'' by [William Allan](/source/William_Allan_(painter)), 1833]]
Immediately after the murder, Mary was able to speak to Lord Darnley, and may have convinced him they were both in danger and captives in the palace. The guard around her was relaxed and at midnight the next day, they escaped, and she rode behind [Arthur Erskine of Blackgrange](/source/Arthur_Erskine_of_Blackgrange), master of her stable, to [Seton Palace](/source/Seton_Palace) and then to safety at [Dunbar Castle](/source/Dunbar_Castle).<ref>M. S. Giuseppi, ''HMC Salisbury Hatfield'', vol. 16 (London, 1933), pp. 17-18.</ref> An English servant of Lord Darnley, [Anthony Standen](/source/Anthony_Standen_(spy)), later claimed to have accompanied the queen with [John Stewart](/source/John_Stewart_of_Traquair) of [Traquair](/source/Traquair) and his brother [William Stewart](/source/William_Stewart_of_Caverston).<ref>Joseph Stevenson, ''The History of Mary Stewart: From the Murder of Riccio Until Her Flight Into England by Claude Nau'' (Edinburgh, 1883), pp. ciii, 11, 16, 227.</ref><ref>M. S. Giuseppi, ''HMC Salisbury Hatfield'', vol. 16 (London, 1933), pp. 17-18.</ref> Mary returned to Edinburgh with her supporters and took up lodgings on the [Royal Mile](/source/Royal_Mile) rather than return to the palace. On 21 March, she had Darnley declared innocent of the murder.<ref>Thomas Wright, ''Queen Elizabeth and her Times'', vol. 1 (London, 1838), pp. 230-1.</ref>

[Robert Melville](/source/Robert_Melville%2C_1st_Lord_Melville) arrived in Edinburgh from London and reported back to Elizabeth and [Cecil](/source/William_Cecil%2C_1st_Baron_Burghley) on the aftermath of the murder. He noted that [Morton](/source/Regent_Morton), [Lord Ruthven](/source/Patrick_Ruthven%2C_3rd_Lord_Ruthven), [Lord Lindsay](/source/Patrick_Lindsay%2C_6th_Lord_Lindsay), [William Maitland of Lethington](/source/William_Maitland_of_Lethington), the [Clerk Register](/source/Lord_Clerk_Register) [James Balfour](/source/James_Balfour%2C_Lord_Pittendreich), the [Lord Justice Clerk](/source/Lord_Justice_Clerk) John Bellenden (whose brother was alleged to have pointed a gun at the queen), and some gentlemen of Lothian, who were all suspected of having knowledge of the plan, had fled.<ref>''Calendar State Papers Scotland'', vol. 2 (Edinburgh, 1900), 267, 272, 274-5.</ref> Mary wrote to [Elizabeth I](/source/Elizabeth_I) asking that Ruthven, Morton, and their accomplices should be returned to Scotland from [Newcastle](/source/Newcastle_upon_Tyne). Elizabeth asked [Sir John Forster](/source/John_Forster_(soldier)) to tell them to find refuge outside England.<ref>[Henry Ellis](/source/Henry_Ellis_(librarian)), ''Original Letters Illustrative of English History'', series 1 vol. 2 (London, 1824), pp. 223–224.</ref>

[William Cecil, 1st Baron Burghley](/source/William_Cecil%2C_1st_Baron_Burghley), and a French diplomat, [Paul de Foix](/source/Paul_de_Foix), discussed the news. De Foix seems at first to have been misled about the events, thinking that Darnley had killed Rizzio because he found such a lowly servant having an adulterous relationship with Mary, an idea not present in the reports of the murder.<ref>[John Hosack](/source/John_Hosack), ''Mary, Queen of Scots, and her Accusers'', 2 (Edinburgh: Blackwood, 1874), pp. 78–80: Allan Crosbie, ''Calendar State Papers Foreign, 1566–1568'' (London, 1871), xi, 37 no. 217.</ref>

Rizzio's brother, Joseph, arrived in Scotland with [Michel de Castelnau](/source/Michel_de_Castelnau) and was appointed secretary in David's place by 25 April 1566. Joseph and an Italian colleague, Joseph Lutyni, had some trouble over coins taken from the queen's purse, and in April 1567, he was accused and acquitted with Bothwell of Darnley's murder.<ref>''Calendar State Papers Scotland'', vol. 2 (Edinburgh, 1900), 276, 311, 320.</ref> Castelnau brought letters for Darnley, and he wrote to [Catherine de' Medici](/source/Catherine_de'_Medici) to thank her, taking the opportunity to insist he was innocent of the "horrible crime".<ref>[Joseph Stevenson](/source/Joseph_Stevenson), ''The History of Mary Stewart by Claude Nau'' (Edinburgh: Paterson, 1883), p. cxxiii.</ref>

==Legacy and memorial==
David Rizzio's career was remembered and referred to by [Henry IV of France](/source/Henry_IV_of_France). Mocking the pretension of [James VI of Scotland](/source/James_VI_of_Scotland) to be the "Scottish Solomon", he remarked that "he hoped he was not David the fiddler's son", alluding to the possibility that Rizzio, not Darnley, fathered King James. According to the [Master of Gray](/source/Patrick_Gray%2C_6th_Lord_Gray), James wept with his friend [Cuthbert Armourer](/source/Cuthbert_Armourer) over the rumours that Rizzio was his father.<ref>''Letters and Papers relating to Patrick, Master of Gray'' (Edinburgh, 1835), p. 16.</ref>

George Buchanan wrote in 1581 that David was first buried outside the door of [Holyrood Abbey](/source/Holyrood_Abbey), and then Mary arranged for him to be buried in the tomb of her father [James V](/source/James_V_of_Scotland) and [Madeleine of France](/source/Madeleine_of_Valois) within. Buchanan described this circumstance as reflecting badly on the Queen. Fearing that Mary's son, [James VI](/source/James_VI_of_Scotland), would suppress his book, Buchanan's friend [James Melville](/source/James_Melville_(1556%E2%80%931614)) tried to get Buchanan to rewrite the passage while the book was at the printers. Buchanan asked his cousin, Thomas Buchanan, a schoolmaster in Stirling, if he thought the story was true, and the cousin agreed. The story was published.<ref>Buchanan, George, ''History of Scotland'', book 17 chapter 65: James Aikman, ''History of Scotland'', vol. 2 (Glasgow, 1827), p .483 & footnote: ''The Diary of Mr James Melville'' (Bannatyne Club, 1829), p. 86.</ref>

It is sometimes said that Rizzio was buried at the [Canongate Kirk](/source/Canongate_Kirk) and burying ground. Holyroodhouse is within the old [Canongate](/source/Canongate) jurisdiction,  and Rizzio's death was recorded in the Canongate registers. This pre-dated the building of the [Canongate Kirk](/source/Canongate_Kirk) in 1688, and it is unlikely he could be buried there.<ref>A. Francis Steuart, [https://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.526872/page/n125/mode/2up ''Life of Seigneur Davie'' (London, 1922), p. 110 fn]</ref>

==Representation in fiction==
Rizzio was played by [John Carradine](/source/John_Carradine) in the 1936 RKO picture ''[Mary of Scotland](/source/Mary_of_Scotland_(film))''; by [Ian Holm](/source/Ian_Holm) in the 1971 movie ''[Mary, Queen of Scots](/source/Mary%2C_Queen_of_Scots_(1971_film))''; by Tadeusz Pasternak in the BBC mini-series ''Gunpowder, Treason, and Plot''; by [Andrew Shaver](/source/Andrew_Shaver) in [The CW](/source/The_CW) network television show ''[Reign](/source/Reign_(TV_series))''; and by [Ismael Cruz Córdova](/source/Ismael_Cruz_C%C3%B3rdova) in the 2018 film ''[Mary Queen of Scots](/source/Mary_Queen_of_Scots_(2018_film))''.

The murder of Rizzio and the subsequent downfall of Darnley form the main subject of the 1830 play ''Maria Stuart'' by [Juliusz Słowacki](/source/Juliusz_S%C5%82owacki).

Rizzio's life and death are a key plot element in [Caleb Carr](/source/Caleb_Carr)'s [Sherlock Holmes](/source/Sherlock_Holmes) story ''[The Italian Secretary](/source/The_Italian_Secretary)'', Holmes vocally dismissing the idea that Rizzio was ever anything more than entertainment.

[Arthur Conan Doyle](/source/Arthur_Conan_Doyle) used the death of Rizzio as a plot point in his 1908 story, “The Silver Mirror”.

Rizzio's murder is also the subject of Scottish author [Denise Mina](/source/Denise_Mina)'s 2021 novella, "Rizzio".

==The takers in hand==
[Thomas Randolph](/source/Thomas_Randolph_(diplomat)) listed these men among the participants and suspected conspirators in Rizzio's murder:<ref>Joseph Bain, ''Calendar of State Papers Scotland'', vol. 2 (Edinburgh, 1900), 269–270: Henry Ellis, ''Original Letters'', series 1 vol. 2 (London, 1824), 220-222.</ref>
*[Earl of Morton](/source/Regent_Morton)
*[Patrick Ruthven, 3rd Lord Ruthven](/source/Patrick_Ruthven%2C_3rd_Lord_Ruthven)
*[Patrick Lindsay, 6th Lord Lindsay](/source/Patrick_Lindsay%2C_6th_Lord_Lindsay)
*[Master of Ruthven](/source/William_Ruthven%2C_1st_Earl_of_Gowrie)
*[William Maitland of Lethington](/source/William_Maitland_of_Lethington)
*[James MacGill](/source/James_MacGill) of [Nether Rankeillour](/source/Cults%2C_Fife), Clerk of the Register
*[John Bellenden](/source/John_Bellenden_(Lord_Justice_Clerk)), Justice Clerk
*[James Stewart](/source/James_Stewart%2C_1st_Lord_Doune), [Abbot of Inchcolm](/source/Abbot_of_Inchcolm)
*[Adam Erskine](/source/Adam_Erskine), Commendator of [Cambuskenneth](/source/Cambuskenneth_Abbey)
*[John Cunningham of Drumquhassle](/source/Cunningham_of_Drumquhassle)
* The laird of [Balvaird](/source/Balvaird_Castle)
*[William Douglas](/source/William_Douglas%2C_6th_Earl_of_Morton), laird of [Lochleven](/source/Lochleven_Castle)
*[Andrew Kerr of Fawdonsyde](/source/Andrew_Ker_of_Faldonside), son-in-law of [John Knox](/source/John_Knox)
*James Johnston of [Elphinstone](/source/Elphinstone_Tower_(East_Lothian))
*William Lauder of [Haltoun](/source/Haltoun_House)
*[John Cockburn](/source/John_Cockburn_of_Ormiston) of [Ormiston](/source/Ormiston)
*James Sandilands of Calder
*John Crichton, laird of [Brunstane](/source/Brunstane)
*[Patrick Bellenden](/source/Patrick_Bellenden_of_Stenhouse) of [Stenhouse](/source/Stenness).<ref>John Hill Burton, ''Register of the Privy Council of Scotland'', vol. 1 (Edinburgh, 1877), p. 437.</ref>
*[William Douglas](/source/William_Douglas_of_Whittinghame) of [Whittingehame](/source/Whittinghame_Castle)
*Patrick Murray of [Tibbermore](/source/Tibbermore)
*The laird of Carmichael
*Andrew Cunningham, son of the [Earl of Glencairn](/source/Earl_of_Glencairn)
*[Archibald Douglas](/source/Archibald_Douglas%2C_Parson_of_Douglas)
*[George Douglas](/source/George_Douglas_(bishop)), said to be an uncle of Lord Darnley
*Alexander Ruthven, brother of Lord Ruthven

On 19 March, the [Privy Council](/source/Privy_Council_of_Scotland) sent letters summoning several men who were suspected of involvement, requiring they attend in Edinburgh to answer questions and charges. These included those in Randolph's list and others such as [William Tweedie of Drummelzier, Adam Tweedy of Drava](/source/Clan_Tweedie), and John Somerville of Cambusnethan.<ref>John Hill Burton, ''Register of the Privy Council of Scotland'', vol. 1 (Edinburgh, 1877), pp. 436–437.</ref>

On 8 June, the Queen's advocates [John Spens of Condie](/source/John_Spens%2C_Lord_Condie) and Robert Crichton of Eliock proclaimed some the suspects were rebels and had fled. It would be unlawful to help them. The lawyers included the names of some Edinburgh craftsmen, William Jonston, a bow maker, a shoemaker Thomas Broun, and the cutler James Young who made sword blades.<ref>John Hill Burton, ''Register of the Privy Council of Scotland'', vol. 1 (Edinburgh, 1877), pp. 462–464.</ref>

John Carmichael of Meadowflat, later Captain of Crawford, was given a remission or pardon in 1574 for his "art and part" in the detention of Mary at Holyrood from the 9 to 11 March 1566.<ref>Gordon Donaldson, ''Register of the Privy Seal of Scotland'', 6 (Edinburgh: HMSO, 1963), p. 485 no. 2684.</ref>

==References==
{{reflist}}

==Sources==
*{{cite book|first=Lord |last=Ruthen |date=1815 |title=Some Particulars of the Life of David Riccio, chief favourite of Mary Queen of Scots |publisher= Triphook |location= London }}
*''The Register of the Privy Council of Scotland'', edited by [John Hill Burton](/source/John_Hill_Burton), LL.D., vol.1. 1545–1569, Edinburgh, 1877, p.&nbsp;437, lists all those charged with "the slauchter of David Riccio." Given the very many names shown, it presumably includes those in the wider conspiracy.
*{{cite book|first=Sir John |last=Hawkins |date=1778 |title=History and Character of Scots Music, including Anecdotes of the Celebrated David Rizzio |publisher= Universal Magazine, October 1778 }}

==External links==
* {{Commonscat-inline|David Rizzio}}
* [http://gallica.bnf.fr/ark:/12148/btv1b90592962/f160.item Manuscript of extracts of letters sent by Mary to her uncle, the Cardinal of Lorraine, with news of the murder] from the [Bibliothèque nationale de France](/source/Biblioth%C3%A8que_nationale_de_France)
* [https://rizzio.info/ Rizzio official]

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Rizzio, David}}
Category:Scottish royal favourites
Category:Scottish people of Italian descent
Category:1530s births
Category:1566 deaths
Category:Nobility from Turin
Category:Italian expatriates in Scotland
Category:Italian murder victims
Category:Deaths by stabbing in Scotland
Category:Burials at the Canongate Kirkyard
Category:Burials at Holyrood Abbey
Category:Italian people murdered abroad
Category:Court of Mary, Queen of Scots
Category:16th-century Italian nobility
Category:Assassinated Italian politicians
Category:People murdered in Scotland
Category:Politicians assassinated in the 16th century
Category:Deaths by stabbing
Category:Holyrood Palace
Category:Expatriates in the Kingdom of Scotland

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [David Rizzio](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Rizzio) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Rizzio?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.