Court and Favourites

Question 1

How did the Court allow the monarch to secure the allegiance and cooperation of the landlords?

Answer 1

• Distribution of patronage to those in the political nation (gifts in return for support)

Question 2

How did the monarch need to organise the Court so the system of patronage worked?

Answer 2

• Even distribution of patronage
• All landlords to get a share

Question 3

How did James manage the Court in a successful manner?

Answer 3

• Kept his Court open
• Maintained personal relationships with the political nation
• Generous with his patronage

Question 4

What was the general mood of the Court?

Answer 4

• The Stuart Court was an open and dynamic space but often criticised for being immoral, drunken, and debauched.
• The court was marked by factionalism, where competing groups vied for the King’s favour and influence.

Question 5

What happened in 1616 with former favourite and Gentleman of the Bedchamber Robert Carr?

Answer 5

The Robert Carr scandal of 1616 - involving Carr’s affair with the Countess of Essex and the subsequent murder of Overbury - was a great embarrassment to James and led to Carr’s downfall.

Question 6

Why did James’ balancing of factionalism begin to unravel in 1618?

Answer 6

• Buckingham’s influence grew, leading to widespread discontent within the political nation.

Question 7

Who became the most prominent favourite after 1615?

Answer 7

• George Villiers, Duke of Buckingham; monopolised access to the King, causing tensions within court factions and Parliament.