Part one: James I - “The beginnings” - 1603 - 1625 Flashcards
What was James I attitude to England / The Kingdom at the start of his reign.
- Unification of England / Scotland.
- Favouritsm of Scots (Bedchamber)
- Endulgement in new riches of England compared to Scotland.
- Big Believer in his Royal Prerogative
What were the financial problems James inherited?
- Elizabeth had sold signifcant amounts of crown lands to finance the war.
- The Anglo - Spanish war itself.
- Elizabeth had failed to update the tax system in relation to inflation.
- By 1603 - Crown debts were at £420,000 with income at roughly £300,000
Why was James lavish spending so despised?
Was so clear and obvious (conspicious) he did not try to hide it.
Also, sigificant amounts went to scots hated by the English Political Nation.
Why were finances so important to parliament.
Finances lay at the root of the monarch’s power, and the limits on their income prevented them from becoming truly absolutist. They HAD to rely on parliament for income through taxation -> subsidies.
It was an aspect of rule that parliament held paramounted control over the crown in.
What does James I say about his generosity?
‘My heart is greater than my rent.’
Example of James I giving money to Scots
In 1606, James gave away 3 parliamentary subsides given to him to pay the crown debts back to Scottish favourites like Carr.
By 1610 nearly £90,000 was given to Scots.
James saw it as perfectly acceptable to pay of his Scottish friends debts before his own.
James / sale of monopolies?
These were abolished by Elizabeth but brought back by James.
It involved him granting individuals the power to have monopoly control over production of a certain good. James in return would recieve a lump sum / share of profits.
Parliament condemned them because it created artifically high prices and inflated the economy further.
Explain the Bates Case?
The Bates Case, 1606
- Bate, a merchant, was taken to court for refusing to pay duties on currants.
- He argued parliament had not levied the tax and therefore it wasn’t legitimate.
- Judges ruled in the monarchs favour because he had the right to regulate trade.
- Solidified and opened up James prerogative power in taxation and led to the New Book of Rates in 1608.
Explain the New Book of Rates?
New Book of Rates, 1608
Pushed through by Cecil, the Book of Rates built on the court victory of the Bates Case in 160.
Brought in new duties known as impositions on over 1400 goods.
Impositions became a beacon of frustration from parliament.
Who was Robert Cecil?
Was Elizabeth’s secretary of state and played an important role in organising James’ accession. He was James’ most trusted advisor.
By 1608 he was made Lord Treasurer.
What was the Book of Bounty?
Despite the Crown debts - James was eroding long term income by giving away crown lands (which the monarch made rent off etc). In addition, his lavish lifestyle was hindering any prospect of improving the deficit.
Cecil introduced the Book of Bounty in 1608 to curb James’ spending and prevent him giving away major items such as lands and pensions. James failed to keep any promises undermining the books impact.
What are the criticisms of Robert Cecil?
Robert Cecil was criticized for personal corruption, profiting from his position. As Master of the Court of Wards (1609), he earned £1,400 from a wardship while the crown gained only £370.
His financial reforms were undermined by his own exploitation of the system.
This shows the “Rot at the top” and partially explains why financial reforms were never pivotal.
What was wardship?
When an estate is inherited the crown takes care and reaps the rewards of your land until you become of age - abused by Cecil for his own financial gain.
Explain the Great Contract?
Cecil’s Great Contract, 1610
A scheme where parliament would grant a one off payment of £600,000 to James for his debts and then annual grants of £200,000 (About £100,000 more than they had before).
In return, the Crown would surrender its feudal rights of wardship and purveyance.
The measure would have likely secured James a sufficient income if combined with cost - cutting measures and improved the budget deficit.
What was purveyance?
The crowns ability to purchase transport, food and other supplies at prices well below market levels.
Why did parliament decline the Great Contract?
- A desire not to be taxed further
- A fear that financial independence for James (consistent, guarenteed income from parliament) would allow James to sidestep parliamentary power and impose absolutism.
- Reluctance to finance James’ addiction to hunting, consumption of alcholol etc.
- Failure of previous agreements (like the 3 subsidies granted in 1606)
Why did James I oppose the Great Contract?
James I opposed the Great Contract because it required him to give up certain royal prerogatives and reduce his income from traditional sources, which he was unwilling to do.
Why did parliament clash with James so much over his right to claim impositions?
From his new form of taxation from the Bates Case parliament feared they would lose power.
If he collected enough taxation using his prerogative, he would never need or call them ever again.
Therefore, in 1610 and 1614 James and parliament clashed over impositions intensely.
Who was Lionel Cranfield / his aims?
Rose to prominence through the patronage of Buckingham.
He wanted to reform royal finances but also amass as much money as personally possible.
He savagely cut administration costs and was devoted to a grim assualt on the payments of gifts and pensions adidst screams of anguish from the court.
By 1621 he was lord treasurer.
By 1623 he was drowned by a wave of foreign policy expenditure.
Describe Cranfields fall from grace?
Cranfields attempts to reform finance were blown when in 1623 Charles and Buckingham went to Madrid which cost £46,000.
By 1624 Cranfield opposed war against Spain and Buckingham turned against him.
Later on in 1624, he was found guilty of corruption by the House Of Lords and heavily fined and imprisoned.
Issue and Solution regarding James giving away knighthoods?
James had given away too many “knighthoods” for a price - devaluating the title.
Therefore, he created a new hereditary title of “baronet” in 1611 - sold for £1,095 each.
What was the Cockayne Project?
Cockayne Project, 1614
- An attempt by Cockayne (Who was granted a monopoly on it) and James I to establish a domestic woolen cloth industry in England removing the processing of wool from the continent (Mainly Dutch) to England.
- The goal was to boost the economy, create jobs and increase tax revnue by selling finished cloth rather than raw cloth.
- Faced strong opposition from merchants, the Dutch and therefore parliament.
- The lack of expertise and infrastructure aswell as resistance meant that it was abandonded by 1617. It highlighted the challenged of James’ financial policies and underscored the monarchy’s ability to enact economic reform.
What is the significance of the death of Prince Henry?
Death of Prince Henry 1612
Henry was seen as the perfect, capable heir. His death meant his less worthy, peculiar younger brother was next in line.
This threw the royal succession into uncertainty and created an anxiety about the future.
Importance of the marriage of Elizabeth and Frederick V?
Marriage of Princess Elizabeth and Frederick V, 1613
James’ daughter’s marriage to Frederick V of the Palatinate in 1613 was part of James I’s broader strategy to strengthen ties with Protestant European powers.
It also meant that James had more of a commitment to the 30 years war in the years to come.
What started the 30 years war?
In 1618, Protestant rebellions overthrew their Catholic king in Bohemia. A year later they offered the crown to Frederick V.
This sparked the 30 years war between Catholic and Protestant powers in Europe.
What was the Battle Of The White Mountain?
Battle Of The White Mountain, 1620
Frederick V was crushed by Catholic forces under the Habsburg Emperor Ferdinand II.
This earned Frederick the nickname the “Winter King” due to his short reign.
However, this loss aggravated Parliament further demanded James to aid the Protestant cause in Europe. It also fast tracked the Spanish Match.
Explain the Spanish Match?
Spanish Match, 1614 - 1623
- Diplomatic response to the 30 years war from James.
- Talks started in 1614 but were fast tracked due to the Battle of the White Mountain and increased heat from parliament.
- In 1623, Charles and Buckingham travveled to Madrid to finalize the marriage, but it failed leading to a complete collapse of the “match.”
- Consistently opposed by parliament who despised the idea of a Catholic princess.
Why did the Spanish Match fail?
The Madrid Trip of 1623 cost over £46,000 and when Buckingham and Charles arrived they were treated horribly. The Spanish demanded they converted to Catholicsm for the marriage to take place.
This humiliation turned Charles and Buckingham against Spain, leading to the collapse of the match and the start of an Anti - Spanish Foreign Policy.
There was also consistent opposition from Parliament.
How did James I try and manipulate Spain into the marriage?
In his 1621 Parliament, he implied MPs could discuss Foreign Policy (Part of the Royal prerogative - usually parliament would have no right to discuss it).
He did this as parliament took a much harder stance on Spain and the 30 years war - in hope this would scare the Spanish into the match.
However, MPs went further then James anticipated and produced a petition critising the Spanish match which James was so adamant about.
James backtracked and banned discussion of Foreign Policy but parliament protested and declared it was their undoubted birthright to discuss it.
James was furious and ripped the document for the Commons journal and DISSOLVED PARLIAMENT.
In general, how did James deal with the 30 years war?
He was torn - wanted to help his Protestant son - in - law, but he did not want to enter the war.
Instead, he pushed for the Spanish Match and offered more toleration for English Catholics to Spain. This angered parliament who were desperate to help the Protestant cause in Europe and fight Spain.
What had happened by 1624 regarding James and foreign policy?
After the failure of the Spanish Match - James finally allowed England to prepare for war against Spain, but he died in 1625 before full - scale conflict could begin. He did this to make them realise it was not financially in their best interest.
His foreign policy and cautious approach against Catholicsm left deep divisions.
How did James try and deal with the heat received from parliament regarding war with Spain?
After the failure of the Spanish Match and the increase in pressure from his son, Buckingham and parliament he adopted a more aggressive stance - not to the extent of war, but he hoped prepartions would make MPs realise that funding a war so costly would not be in their financial interests.
This is a great example of his astute shrewdness in manipulating the Political Nation.
Summarise James’ first Parliament
1603 - 1610
* Parliament were cautiously hopeful - fresh start.
- Tension quickly arose due to James’ spending, favourtism of Scots.
- James’ push for Anglo Scottish Union was met with resistance in fear English law would be undermined.
- Tensions grew further after GP plot when parliament wanted James to be harsher.
- Lots of tensions towards the end over impositions / bates case.
- Great contract was final blow -> failure to reach financial settlement.
Summarise James’ second Parliament
The Addled Parliament (1614 - 2 months)
* Riddled with distrust and dispute due to contiuned extravagance (notably on Scottish favourites like Carr).
- James called as he was in financial trouble (£680,000 debt) after Cecil’s death and his continued selling of Crown Lands.
- The core issue was on impositions again after the Bates Case / New Book Of Rates.
Summarise James’ third Parliament
1621
* MPs instantly focussed on Buckinghams abuse of Monopolies - they really went for him here. Led to Monopolies Act of 1624.
- Pressure from Parliament to join the 30 years war and defened the Protestant Cause after the battle of the White Mountain the year before.
- James hinted Parliament could discuss FP to try and scare the Spanish into the marriage - there anti spanish stance went too far and James ripped a protestation out of the Commons journal banning discussion of FP and dissolving the parliament.
Summarise James’ fourth Parliament
1624 - The Happy Parliament
* James was ill - Charles / Villiers took control of FP - deep into anti - Spanish sentiment after Madrid Trip in 1623.
- Impeached Cranfield for his anti - war Spanish stance.
- Even more pressure to join the Protestant Cause after the failure of the Spanish Match.
- James finally allowed preperations for war - partly in hope of making the MPs realise it would be incredibly expensive.
- However, was fairly cooperative, peaceful and productive (Hence “happy”).
What was the Monopolies Act?
The Monopolies Act of 1624 was passed to limit the Crown’s power to grant monopolies, which had been abused to the detriment of trade and consumers. It aimed to promote fair competition and reduce the Crown’s influence over economic affairs. The 1621 Parliament played a crucial role in pushing this legislation, partly due to concerns over the monopolies granted to George Villiers, the Duke of Buckingham, and his allies, which were seen as self-serving and damaging to the economy. Villiers’ growing influence and favoritism under James I raised suspicions, leading Parliament to take action to curb the Crown’s monopolistic practices.
What does James famously say to one of his parliaments?
James I directly pointed out his divine right to MP’s in his first parliament 1604.
“For Kings are not only God’s lieutenants on earth, they sit upon God’s throne, but even by God himself they are called Gods. The State of the Monarchy is the supremest thing on Earth.”
Despite this the pragmatism and willingness to compromise for political stability marked the rest of his rule and he even touched on how Parliament was a key element in how he governed.
Despite the conflict between James and Parliament - what did they truly represent?
Disagreements were bitter, but they represented more of a ideological frustration rather than organised resistance.
Unlike Charles, any opposition to James wasn’t formidable or organised.
What was the Royal Court?
Many issues were debated at Court, and access to the court through personal networks could guarantee political success.
James’ court was lively and an open space. At its extreme, it was criticised as drunken, immoral and debauched.
What was good about the Royal Courts for James I?
Within it there were different factions of groups competeing for influence over the king. This was good for James as they were preoccupied with fighting eachother instead of him. James balanced them delicately by evenly disributing patronage and attention.
Who was Robert Carr?
James’ first favourite - he was Scottish and made the Earl of Somerset.
In 1613, Carr fell inlove with Thomas Howard’s daughter, the Howard faction was a Catholic faction in Court / Parliament.
Carr and his new wife were found guilty of murder and imprisoned by James. This paved the way for Villiers.
Who was Villiers ( James I )?
Buckingham’s faction dominated the Court and quickly gained power as James’ favourite. He was sexually? close to James I’ and close to Charles (Not sexually). He became Lord Admiral (Leader of the Navy) by 1619 and Duke Of Buckingham by 1623.
During the 1620s serious conflict between the Crown and Parliament broke out over Buckinghams power, abuse of monoplies and general influence.
James personal religious views?
James was raised Scottish Presbyterian who bitterly hated Catholicsm. However, he was not keen on the radical nature of Prebteriansm and was more of a moderate, but true, Protestant.
In 1603, he said he would be tolerant to Catholics.
Why did he favour the Church Of England so much?
Beacuse of its hierarchical structure that strengthened his power instead of church elders. It was a stable compromised church unlike the Scottish Kirk.
What did James want in 1603?
Unity and harmony in his three nations.
He sought to convince Catholics and Purtians of the error of their ways and find a common home in the Church Of England.
What is James’ overlying religious policy?
To isolate radicals and hold the religious centre together within a stable, Church of England that was broadly Calvinsit.
He sought to maintain an equilibrium, a delicate balance, between all extremes and incorporate different religious interests as a way of containing conflict.
The 30 years war made this impossible, as well as the growth of religious radicals like Puritans.
What was James’ policy to Catholics and how did this change?
1603 - promised to show tolerance to Catholics (just ended war with Spanish and did not want to start it again).
1605 - after pressure from Puritans he brought back recusancy fines, prosecuting 5,560 Catholics - this led to the Gunpowder Plot.
What was James’ policy towards Puritans?
James did not like any form of radicalism - show through his rejection of his own upbringing.
After the Millenary petition, he debated with Puritan figures at the Hampton Court Conference but did not accept Purtian reforms.
Why did James’ not accept Puritan calls for reforms?
It would’ve undermined the power of bishops.
He said, “No Bishop, No King!”
He was clearly because of his favourism of the hierachal structure provided by the CoE and he did not want it undermined.
What was the Millenary Petition?
Millenary petition, 1603
- Presented to James as he was heading to England.
- Signed by 1,000 Puritan ministers.
- Calls for simplifcation of worship, removal of cross and less power for bishops.
What was the Hampton Court Conference?
Hampton Court Conference, 1604
* Meeting regarding the millenary petition.
- James disregarded all Puritan reform as he did not want the structure of the Church to change.
- He did however, authorise the King James bible which challenged Catholic Latin ways and was released in 1611.
What was James’ response to the Gunpowder Plot?
Oath of Allegiance 1606
- James identified that some Catholics were extremist and a problem - but he also realised that the majority of English Catholics were loyal.
- It Required moderate Catholics to declare their allegiance to the English Monarch - seperating extreme from loyal.
- He was also moderate in applying the recusancy fines agtainst Catholics, believing it should only target Catholics who refused the Oath of Allegiance.
- This upset parliament who wanted James to take a harder stance.
What were Bancroft’s Canons?
Bancroft’s Canons, 1604
* New Church Laws that upheld orthodox practices condemnded by the Puritans in the Millenary petition (like the use of the cross).
- Removal of Puritan Ministers (wasn’t actually enforced)
- The new Archbisop Canterbury, Bancroft, led a drive for conformity.
Why was Catholicsm so feared?
Despite only 3% of the population being Catholic - Catholicism represented Absoloutism in Europe and also the sign of disruption of balance and Anglican Church to Protestants.
What was the petition of religion?
Petition Of Religion, 1610
* Dissatisfaction had continued after the Hampton Court Conference, in 1610 the Commons presented James with this petition.
- It criticised James’s attacks on non - conformists and the removal of Puritan ministers following Bancrofts cannons.
- The commons presented the petition of religion to the king which listed all religious failures of the past 6 years
It pointed out that:
What was the increasing problem with Puritans?
Showing tolerance towards Purtians allowed divison in the Church to continue.
Initally, Puritans were often just random indiviuals, but after the GP plot and Urbanisation, Puritanism began to grow and group.
What were the limitations with James’ religious policy?
- James did not solve the wider rabid Anti - Catholicism in England. There were many who felt James had been too lenient on Catholics.
- James alienated Puritan opinion. He did not go far enough with reform of the Church.
- Therefore, instead of reducing radicalism and bringing it all closer to a “center” he allowed radicalism to survive and grow.
What was the Book Of Sports?
Book Of Sports, 1618
- Outlined permitted recreational activities on a Sunday after Church Service.
- Puritans felt like it was a direct attack on their values as they believed Sunday was purely for worship.
- James released it to try and reduce religious tensions by validating Anglican customs and prevent Puritans from gaining too much influence over social and religious practices.
What was the James I bible?
Commised in 1604 at the Hampton Court Conference and released in 1611 it did many things:
- It promoted religious unity within the Church Of England.
- It undermined Catholicsm as it challened their Latin ways.
- It reinforced James’ image as a protector of Protestantism and solidifed his divine authority.
Who was Archbishop Abbot?
In 1611, Abbot became Archbishop of Canterbury. He was a Calvinist with strong Protestant belief.
However, he had a sense of Puritan instinct - unlike Bancroft he was more lenient towards Puritans.
James saw him as someone who could balance the religious landscape by being sympathetic to Puritan views without fully embracing them. Again, James sought stability.
Explain the rise of Arminianism under James’
Towards the end of his reign, James I faced religious challenges from the Arminians, who opposed Puritanism and emphasized free will, church hierarchy, and ceremonial worship. These beliefs aligned with James’ own views, particularly regarding church authority and hierarchy. As a result, he became more tolerant of Arminians, especially since they supported the idea of royal supremacy over the Church.
This shift contributed to long-term religious tensions, setting the stage for future conflicts under Charles I.
What was James special ability regarding radicals?
James had a special ability to recognise who the real radicals were and whether they might actually challenge his authority or not. By isolating the radicals he could ensure that the Church Establishment stayed loyal to monarchist control of the Church.
What were the Five Articles Of Perth?
Five Articles Of Perth (1618)
* Religious measures introduced by James to Scotland.
- Aligned the Scottish church closer to Anglican Practices.
- Strong opposition from many Presbytarians.
- James was cautious of provoking rebellion so chose not to enforce the measures with harsh penalties.
- However, this religious imperalism from England set the precedent for the Scottish - English relationship.
- When Charles later imposed similar practices through the Laudian reforms he did so with little regard for Scottish resistance.
What book represents the growing religious tensions in James reign?
A New Gagg for an Old Goose
- Highly controversial work that rejected both Puritan Calvinism and Roman Catholicism.
- Montagu argued that the King had the right to determine religious doctrine in the Church.
- James obstructed any penalty or direct opposition to Montagu, showing the monarchs growing tolerance of Arminiansm.
What was the book that linked Arminiansm between James and Charles reign?
Montagu’s appeal to Caesar
✅ A highly controversial work that defended Arminianism and attacked Puritan Calvinism.
✅ Argued that the King (James I) had the right to determine religious doctrine in the Church of England, emphasizing royal supremacy over Puritan influence.
✅ Claimed that bishops and clergy should follow the monarch’s authority, even if it meant adopting practices seen as too Catholic.
✅ Linked Arminianism between James and Charles—written under James I but published under Charles I, who actively defended Montagu.
✅ Charles I further promoted Montagu, ignoring Puritan complaints and making him Bishop of Chichester in 1628.
