James I: Court and favourites

Question 1

Who is George Villiers?

Answer 1

• English
• Duke of Buckingham
• James’ cup bearer
• Gentleman of bedchamber
• became Charles’ chief advisor
• arranged the marriage between Charles I and Henrietta Maria of France
• caused political problems with bad and unnecessary decision making

Question 2

Who is Robert Carr?

Answer 2

• Scottish
• Earl of Somerset
• Lord treasure in Scotland
• groom of the royal bedchamber
• member of the privy council
• involved in the Overbury scandal

Question 3

Who is Philip Herbert?

Answer 3

• English
• 1st English favourite
• Cecil made sure that Herbert had a good relationship with King James
• had titles and money given to him
• Englishmen typically found it hard to reach James as he surrounded himself with his Scottish favourites

Question 4

Who is James of Lord Hay?

Answer 4

• Scottish
• 1603-1645 = gentleman of the bedchamber
• had a banquet of £2000
• James lavished him with £40,000 - paying off his debts
• not vocal in parliament

Question 5

Who is John Ramsay?

Answer 5

• Scottish
• Viscount Haddington
• James payed off £10,000 of his debt
• was knighted and made Lord Ramsey of Barns in 1609
• received an annual income of £1000
• given £7000 to come back from France