2: James And Charles: Character, Court And Favourites

Question 1

James I

Answer 1

An intellectual, pragmatist, enjoyed debate and dealing with people. Benefitted from the unwritten constitution to create compromise

Question 2

Charles I

Answer 2

Shy, speech impediment, domineering, ‘mirror opposite’ of his father. Inferiority complex meant he often overstated his prerogative (in 1626 he gave a speech about how crown was above parliament)

Question 3

Views on monarchy

Answer 3

Both believed in the divine right, but James was willing to be pragmatic with prerogative vs parliamentary privilege while Charles was too keen to overstate the former in an attempt to gain power

Question 4

Court of James

Answer 4

Exhibited different aspects of his personality. Was an open and lively place. Sometimes criticised for bring too drunken and immoral. James had a strong patronage of Shakespeare. Tension arose from dominance of the bedchamber by the Scots, first Englishman appointed to bedchamber was Villiers in 1615

Question 5

Court of Charles

Answer 5

Charles regarded his court as a microcosm of his state. Only included his supporters which generated tension and perpetuated the conspiracy mentality that emerged following his accession (dominated by Catholics and Arminians)

Question 6

James’ favourites

Answer 6

Male courtiers - Duke of Buckingham (1615-1625) - relationship based on personal affection which would’ve been frowned upon. As men, his favourites would’ve had a more dominant political role than if they were women

Question 7

Charles’ favourites

Answer 7

Also Buckingham - the two grew close during the failed Spanish Match of 1623.

Under Charles he was allowed to manage royal patronage, was a patron of Laud and Montagu - caused tension