What was britain like in 1603 when james inherited the throne ?

religious devisions

• Henry VII reformation after divorcing Anne Boleyn

• Religious divisions that cut across national borders so controlling kingdoms more difficult

• Pre reformation western Europe was catholic and the church was centred in Rome and led by the bishops appointed by the monarch and belief that could only be reached by God

• Catholic church under increasing scrutiny for corruption and losing its way

• Martin Luther demanded reform of the church and his ideas became known as the reformation those who took up his ideas were protestants

• Europe was divided between militant protestantism and mlitant catholicism

• Edward furthered reformation and mary’s attempt to reverse it caused more backlash against catholics

• Calvinism increasing popularity

• Elizabeth middle way

functions and powers of parliament

• Parliament 2 houses- house of commons and house of Lords

• Only met when summoned

• Main power granting taxation gave leverage over king made royal revenue insignificant

• Parliament also passed statues but the monarch held vito and could bypass parliament

• Members viewed themselves voice of the nation

Multiple kingdoms

• By 1603 the uniting of the kingdoms had began

• 3 acts of union passed by Henry VII meant wales joined with england

• When james became king England and scotland joined- still rivalry

• The reformation 1534 irish were unhappy and threatened revolt so england invaded

• In 1590s major rebellion leaving ireland under english rule in 1605

population and economy

• Economy vastly relied on agriculture

• Outside london there were few towns of significant size most market towns except port towns like bristol and hull

• Population statistics hard to gather as records innacurate

• High wages low rent allowed

• 1500s population rapidly increased causing inflation

• Food production and profits increased

The kings powers

• The king accessed the privy council for advice

• He could appoint and dismiss judges and ministers so law courts acted in his favour

• He could declare periods of war and peace

• He ruled by prerogative and could pass laws