Scores of people know that Peterborough’s iconic cathedral is home to the final resting place of Katharine of Aragon – the first wife of Henry VIII – but fewer people are aware that the building was also once the burial site of another Royal – Mary Queen of Scots, daughter of James V of Scotland, and first cousin once removed of Elizabeth I.

Mary was executed at Fotheringhay Castle – just a few miles from Peterborough – after plotting to kill Elizabeth – and was laid to rest in Peterborough Cathedral from 1587 to 1612, when her son, James, moved her to Westminster Abbey.

Now a brand new exhibition, telling Mary’s life story has opened in the city, and it is hoped it will bring thousands of people to the city.

Jack Pishorn, Peterborough Cathedral Chief Operating Officer, said the chance to bring Mary’s story back to life was an exciting opportunity.

He said: “This is amazing for us, as this is a real true story of the cathedral and an amazing piece of history.

"This exhibition is the story of her life, all the way through to her execution and burial, where she was here for 25 years before her son took to Westminster Cathedral.

"We are very proud to be hosting it, we are expecting tens of thousands of people to come through our doors over the next two months.”

Jack said the exhibition would provide the Cathedral with the chance to do more with Mary’s story – even when the exhibition ends.

He said: “I have always known Peterborough Cathedral as being the resting place of Katharine of Aragon, but not Mary Queen of Scots. It is really important we interpret this story, and this is one step towards doing that. We really want to start growing this into our education programme as well, and working with external funding to do some permanent installations.

“Peterborough is really struggling with the tourism economy, and we play such an important role in that - by putting on these world class exhibitions, it does bring people into our city, and then it has that big impact on our shops, our cafes, our accommodation spaces.”

John White, curator of the exhibition, said he was thrilled to bring it to Peterborough.

He said: “It has been 439 years since she was laid to rest here in Peterborough, and it is amazing to bring her back here, for people to appreciate in these modern times, and learn more about Mary. It has always been on my hit list to come to Peterborough as this was the last place she was laid to rest before James had her moved to Westminster Cathedral.”

Lord Lieutenant of Cambridgeshire, Julie Spence cut the ribbon to officially open the exhibit, and she said: “It is really important for Peterborough to connect itself with over 400 years of history. This was the burial place of Mary, and it is sometimes forgotten. She was executed at Fotheringhay castle just a few miles away. It is important for everyone who loves history to come and see the exhibition, but also important for Peterborians to know what we have on our doorstep.

Peterborough has got things to celebrate. We have got Katharine of Aragon, but we often forget Mary Queen of Scots, and she is a significant part of our history.”

The exhibition runs until November 15. Tickets cost £8 for adults and £6 for children.

1. Mary Queen of Scots

The exhibit opened at Peterborough Cathedral on September 21 Photo: PT

2. Mary Queen of Scots

A Cathedral tour guide at the former burial place of Mary Queen of Scots Photo: PT

3. Mary Queen of Scots

The tomb of Katharine of Aragon Photo: PT

4. Mary Queen of Scots

The former burial location of Mary Queen of Scots Photo: Google