James I and Charles I: character, court and favourites.

Question 1

James I

Answer 1

When he became King of England in 1603, he was already an experienced monarch. He had been King of Scotland since 1567.
He was an intellectual, outgoing man who enjoyed debate.
He was also pragmatic.

Question 2

Charles I

Answer 2

Very different man and King from his father.
He was shy and hampered by a speech defect. This led to him being unapproachable and uncommunicative.
He had an inferiority complex and was unwilling to compromise.

Question 3

James as King

Answer 3

James saw himself as a ‘peacemaker king’ in his foreign policy.
He also sought compromise and negotiations with the Political Nation in England while defending his prerogative.

Question 4

Charles as King

Answer 4

Charles also sought to defend his prerogative, but did so provocatively.
He was unwilling to negotiate and the nature of his court hampered dialogue with the Political Nation.

Question 5

The Privy Council

Answer 5

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

Question 6

The court of James I

Answer 6

The court was open and lively. He was noted for his open interactions with courtiers.
The court was criticised as drunken, immoral and debauched.
Yet James’ intellectual interests were reflected at court.

Question 7

Tension in James’ court

Answer 7

One source of tension was the dominance of James’ bedchamber by Scots.
The first Englishman James appointed to the bedchamber was George Villiers, the Duke of Buckingham, and this created new tension.

Question 8

The court of Charles I

Answer 8

Charles regarded his court as a microcosm of his state.
Strict order was imposed and included only his supporters.
The court also seemed to be dominated by Catholics and Arminians. This caused great political damage.

Question 9

Favourites of James I

Answer 9

James’ open affection for a range of male courtiers was a source of tension at his court.
Three men were among his most notable favourites:
Esme Stuart, Duke of Lennox.
Robert Carr, Earl of Somerset.
George Villiers, Duke of Buckingham.
Their favour was seen as a sign of how immoral James’ court was.

Question 10

Favourites of Charles I

Answer 10

Buckingham managed to maintain his position of favourite when Charles became king in 1625.
Buckingham was allowed a dominant role in royal patronage and led to conflict within the court.