James 1 lore Flashcards
What was his upbringing like?
Became king of Scotland at 13 months who his mother, Mary, was executed. Scotland was a much poorer country than England and so he had a harder upbringing than most other monarchs. Even so he was well educated and knew multiple languages. He then became his own monarch in his own right at 17.
How did people portray him and why?
A resentful courtier, Sir Anthony Weldon, called James “the wisest fool in the christendom” after a lack of patronage and promotion
Sir Walter Scott said he was “exceedingly like an old gander, running about and chuckling at all matter of nonsense”
What were Jame’s qualities?
Pragmatic, a compromiser, wise, intellectual, informal, flexible tactful, and a peace maker.
A good Protestant and well versed in theology.
Respected-if not loved-by many.
Recognised the importance of dynasty
Financially extravagant and proved to be incapable of placing the crowns finances on a sound basis. Hs generosity resulted in him giving away thousands to his favourites.
scorned the task of cultivating his regal popularity-often impatient when dealing with his subjects.
Prone to lecturing parliament on his divine rights thus antagonising some MP’s.
His court was criticised for being drunken, immoral and debauched. H liked to feast and drink to excess. Some say his court was corrupt and seedy-openly displayed his affection for his favourites and was probably an active bisexual.
What were some of the influences on James?
Scotland didn’t have a British parliament:only met for a few days at a time and was under control of royal councillors.
James only respected the Kirk as an enemy of royal power.
James was a genuine intellectual , but had been raised in an atmosphere of theological pedantry by calvinist tutors. The had given him the propensity to over-theorise about his position and expectations.
From a very poor country and so saw Englands wealth as unbounded.
Who were some of the important people in his life?
1.His wife, Ann of Denmark (1589-1619), they lived separate she was a quiet Roman Catholic and had her own court.
2.Eldest son, Prince Henry Stuart (1594-1612), devout protestant and was a promising leader but died of typhoid at 18.
3.Daughter, Elizabeth Stuart (1596-1662), married off to Frederick V. the elector Palatine, as a part of James’ plan to form alliances.
- Son, Prince Charles Stuart (1600-1649), a sickly child who wasn’t reared for a position of influence.
What’s the deal with George Villiers (1592-1628)
Appointed gentleman of the Bedchamber in 1615.
1618 created the Earl of Buckingham
1623 travelled to Spain with Charles and made a Duke (first non-royal duke in over a century)
By 1625 had a monopoly of patronage by excluding other councillors from the kings consideration he distorted the system of government, which could have a damaging effect on Charles’ relations with parliament.
What made money so important during James’ reign?
In 1603 James inherited a kingdom in debt to the tone of £420,000, caused by sale of church lands and debts incurred by the challenges of Spain)
Early modern monarchs were expected to be generous. James; councils put it in 1612 that royal generosity “would multiply and confirm affection and duty”.
James was hampered by an inability to control his spending.
The landowning nobility were under-taxed and completely unwilling to payout the sorts of money needed to keep the crown financially sound.
