James and Charles: Character, court and favourites

Question 1

James’ character

Answer 1

Intellectual, outgoing, communicative and pragmatic.

Question 2

Charles’ character

Answer 2

Unapproachable, damaging, uncommunicative, insecure and unwilling to compromise.

Question 3

Privy Council

Answer 3

The king’s selected advisers who met in private to shape the monarch’s wishes into policy and oversee their implementation.

Question 4

Bedchamber

Answer 4

The monarch’s private living space where courtiers provided companionship to the monarch and could have great political influence.

Question 5

Faction

Answer 5

Competing groups in politics that sought to favour the monarch.

Question 6

Patronage

Answer 6

Political success was based on networks of support. The political aim was to build a network of connections to get as close to the King as possible.

Question 7

Court of James

Answer 7

Open and interactive, dominated by Scots.

Question 8

Court of Charles

Answer 8

Miniature version of the state, strict, dominated by Arminians and Catholics.

Question 9

Court Masque

Answer 9

A type of dramatic entertainment of acting by masked performers which Charles and his courtiers often got involved in.

Question 10

George Villiers

Answer 10

Duke of Buckingham was favourite to both monarchs and had a dominant role in the management of royal patronage.