King James I An overview

The Stuart family LEFT: Henry Stuart, Lord Darnley, James’ father. LEFT The young James VI of Scotland RIGHT: Mary Stuart, his mother. (Mary, Queen of Scots )

James VI of Scotland James was born 1567 and became king a year later. When he reached his majority, he wrested power from the Scottish nobility and asserted his authority as king. He was a staunch Protestant.

A new friendship As a young man, James fell under the influence of Esme Stuart (see right) One historian wrote that James was “peculiarly susceptible to a certain type of masculine charm”. From this point on he developed a preference for the company of men.

Marriage In 1589, James married the Protestant Princess Anne of Denmark. Although he remained friendly with her, she reinforced his view that women were less intelligent and capable than men.

A contemporary view of James and his family

James’ children LEFT: Prince Henry, the heir to the throne, who died in RIGHT: Charles, who became King in BOTTOM LEFT: Princess Elizabeth, who married Frederick of the Palatinate, a German province.

James I of England He became King of England in 1603 on the death of Elizabeth I. As a male Protestant with children he was welcomed by many in England who were pleased to see the end of half a century of “petticoat government”.

Religious issues James had a natural interest in religious matters. In 1604, he met with clergy at Hampton Court (above) to discuss issues associated with the Church of England. Puritan expectations of reform of the Church were initially raised but not met.

The new bible The Hampton Court Conference had decided to issue a new English language bible. This was first published in 1611, and is often referred to as the King James Bible. It remained the Authorised Version of the Bible in the Church of England until the 20 th century.

A Catholic challenge Disappointed at James’ refusal to grant toleration for Catholics, a group of young Catholic plotters schemed to blow up Parliament when James was in attendance. The plot was discovered and the leaders executed. Guy Fawkes, one of the leaders of the Gunpowder Plot 1605.

The favourites Robert Carr, the Earl of Somerset, was the first of James’ male favourites in England. He influenced James until his fall from grace in 1615 during the Overbury Scandal. He was associated with the suspicious death of courtier Sir Thomas Overbury.

The new favourite Once James’ preference for handsome young men was obvious, the Protestant faction led by Archbishop Abbott introduced George Villiers to Court. James became smitten with him, and quickly showered him with honours and offices. Villiers quickly became a powerful person within James’ government.

James the man James was highly intelligent and well-read. He was a published author on subjects from the principles of kingship, to witchcraft and the evils of tobacco. He preferred outdoor activities like hunting and hawking to the ordinary business of government. He was fond of drinking sessions with male companions.

Views of King James Henri IV of France famously called him ‘the wisest fool in Christendom’. Earlier historians considered James to be an ineffective king, though this may be due to scurrilous contemporary comments about his personal habits by English enemies. More recently historians have taken a more balanced view, acknowledging personal weaknesses while emphasising his ability to rule England peacefully while balancing different religious interest groups.