King James VI of Scotland and I of England

Lord Darnley and Mary Queen of Scots Early Life Born: June 19th, 1566 in Edinburgh Castle in Scotland Mother: Mary Stuart, more common known as Mary Queen of Scots Father: Lord Darnley Only Child Name “Charles James” came from James’ godfather Charles IX of France Lord Darnley and Mary Queen of Scots Edinburgh Castle

Early Life continued He automatically became Duke of Rothesay and the Prince/Great Steward of Scotland when he was born. His father, Lord Darnley, was murdered in Feb. of 1567. Mary remarried and quickly became unpopular. In July of 1567, Mary was arrested, imprisoned, and forced to give up the Scottish throne to James, who was still an infant.

Childhood On July 29th, 1567, James was formally crowned James VI, King of Scotland, at the age of 13 months. While he was young, regents held the power of the throne. By age 8, James was fluent in French, Latin, and some English. He was brought up with Protestant teachings, which were against most of the Catholic Scottish ruling class.

Princess Anne of Denmark Marriage King James married Princess Anne of Denmark and Norway in 1589. The couple had 8 living children but only 3 survived infancy. His children were; Henry, Prince of Wales, who died at age 19 from typhoid, Charles, who would later become Charles I and succeed his father, and Elizabeth, who would later become Queen of Bohemia. Princess Anne of Denmark

Ascent to English Throne James and his mother, Mary, were both close relatives of Queen Elizabeth, so they had a good chance of becoming the next ruler. Mary was executed in 1587 for suspected association with a plot to kill Elizabeth. Queen Elizabeth I died in 1603. James and Anne were named King and Queen of England on July 25th, 1603 at Westminster Abbey.

Rule of England Scotland and England had been rivals for many hundreds of years as they were both situated on the same island. James was not very popular in England because of his Scottish upbringing. He was also unpopular due to his personality. He was selfish, witty, and fiercely believed in the divine right of Kings.

Rule of England continued James was not popular with Parliament either. He was a huge spender and often favored people he was fond of. He gave away land and money to people he liked even if they didn’t deserve the gifts. The relationship between James and Parliament slowly degraded throughout James’ rule. James began to love the theater through his wife, Anne. He became a patron of Shakespeare’s company which changed their name to The King’s Men in honor of the King.

Gunpowder Plot of 1605 On November 5, 1605, several men were caught trying to blow up the House of Lords on a day when the king was to open session. The criminals were caught and executed but their plot sparked suspicion from the King and an anti-Catholic wave that spread through England.

Published Works Some of James’ published books include The Essays of a Prentice in the Divine Art His Majesties Poetical Exercises at Vacant True Law of Free Monarchy He also wrote poems to his lovers (who were not always women). In 1611, James published an authorized version of the Bible known as the King James Edition. This edition of the Bible was translated into English.

Anne’s Death and James’ fall in power Queen Anne died in 1619 and was buried at Westminster Abbey. James became senile in the last years of his reign. Before he died, James left his successor a foreign war, and events that would lead to an English Civil War.

Death and Succession King James died at Theobald’s House in 1625. His death was probably brought on by kidney failure or stroke. He was buried in Westminster Abbey. His son, Charles, succeeded James and became known as Charles I. James had ruled Scotland for 58 years and England for 22 years.