Character, Court and Favourites Flashcards
How could the personality of James I be described?
Intellectual, Tolerant and Pragmatic
How did James I want to be viewed internationally?
He wanted to be a peacemaker (Rex Pacificus)
How did James I show his intention to be a peacemaker?
- The Treaty of London 1604 with Spain
- His reluctancy to join the Thirty Years War in 1618
- Creation of the Protestant Union in 1611
How did James view the political nation?
He sought to compromise and negotiate with them while defending his prerogative
How was James I’s court described?
Extravagent and Expensive
What is an example of the Royal Courts extravagent and expensive nature?
The Ante-supper 1621 which cost £3,300
How was the court criticised?
Drunken, Immoral and Debauched
What was further controversy surronding the royal court?
The bedchamber was dominated by Scots
How were James’ intellectual interests emphasised?
Through the patronage of William Shakespeare
Who were James’ favourites?
Robert Carr (Earl of Sommerset) 1607-13
George Villiers (Duke of Buckingham) 1615-25
What were George Villiers strengths and weaknesses?
Strengths- Effective Administrator
Weakness- Responsible for foreign policy failures
How did the personality of Charles I contrast with that of his father?
- He was a complete comtrast to his father
- Charles was dogmatic
How did Charles I interact with his parliament?
He was shy and speech whichled him led him to be unaproachable and uncommunicative with his parliament
How did Charles view the Royal Prerogative?
He often overstressed his prerogative and saw the slightest criticism as rebelion
How did Charles manage his court?
He imposed a strict order upon his court
His court became a microcosm of his state
Why was Charles’ royal court controversial?
The court was dominated by Catholics and Arminians which was controversial as Catholicism was linked to absolutism
Which countries at the time had Catholicism?
France and Spain
What were the main form of art and entertainment in the Royal Court?
Court Masques and Charles’ extensive art collection
Why was court entertainment and art controversial?
Court Masques were unpopular with Puritans
Portraits created by the artist Van Dyck created the impression he aimed to become an absolutist Catholic monarch
Who was a favourite in Charles’ reign?
George Villiers who was killed in 1628
