Stuarts - James I

How and why did James I become King of England?

As Elizabeth’s closest relative, James was invited to become the next king of England as James I. James’s claim was based on the fact that he was great-great-grandson of Henry VII of England.

How did being King of both England and Scotland affect James I (of England, VI of Scotland) and his reign?

ADD

Describe James I’s attitude towards absolutism.

liked it, wrote books in praise of it

James was utterly convinced of his divine right to rule with absolute authority, and this position brought him into frequent conflict with the English parliament.

Describe England’s approach to administering Ireland during the reign of James I. Why did this lead to lasting resentment in Ireland?

Protestants were dispatched to continue setting up ‘colonies’ in what was a catholic country. The process of ‘plantation’ continued with the king’s approval and accelerated during the Stuart period. Confiscation of the estates of Catholic landowners continued to cause immense and lasting resentment between England and Ireland

Why did English nobles find James I’s court off-putting?

James’ reign was typified by a lack of formality in court etiquette and protocol, something English nobles found odd after the rigidity of the Tudors. The King’s Scottish speech often caused confusion, and he was deemed a little uncouth, though his manners were likely not as bad as later writers have sometimes described them. The king has been described as having weak legs, an odd walk, and a tendency to slobber because of a large or loose tongue. All of these characteristics may point to a mild case of cerebral palsy.

What happened during the Gunpowder Plot and why was this an important event for English History?

a group of Catholic rebels, angered by a new wave of religious laws, decided to take drastic measures. The conspirators rented an empty chamber under the building where Parliament met and filled it with a massive quantity of gunpowder with the express intention of blowing up the building when the king opened Parliament on 5 November. All the most powerful nobles would be present, and their deaths would have caused chaos in England.

Pro king