Slide 2:

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Slide 3: Childhood

Born in Edinburgh, Scotland on June 19th, 1566, James was the only son of Mary Queen of Scots
and Henry Stewart (Lord Darnley). He became king at the age of 13 months when his mother
abdicated. The young king was kept isolated but was given a good education until age 14. After
he fell under the influence of the Duke of Lennox, a Catholic, James was kidnapped in 1582 and
forced to denounce him. In 1583 he escaped from his captors and began to pursue his own
policies as king.
Slide 4: Character
Strongly believed in the divine right. Had a fear of threats to the throne (father murdered,
mother executed). Strong, intelligent and ideological King. Easily accepted strong resentment
from parliament on many policies. Was vain and spent large sums on parties (marriages and
funerals).
Slide 5: Religion
Disliked puritan belief. Strayed away from Scottish Presbyterianism by which he was
traumatically brought up by. Lenient with Catholics. Was lenient toward all religions
Slide 6: Finance
Struggled to pass legislation. Couldn’t gain subsidies due to his extravagant lifestyle (failure of
the Great contract 1610). Used monopoly (Cockayne project 1614). Chose to understand
Parliament at times.
The Great Contract was a plan submitted to James I and Parliament in 1610 by Robert Cecil. It was an
attempt to increase Crown income and ultimately rid it of debt. December 1614 The Cockayne
Project announced. James allowed Alderman Sir William Cockayne to launch a project
designed to boost the earnings of those involved in the manufacture of undyed cloth
setting up a dyeing industry to do the job at home.
Slide 7: Foreign policy
Wanted Scotland to join the union. That failed for James in 1606. Tried to bring the church
closer to that in England (five articles of Perth). Hesitant to join the 30-year war, declared war
on Spain towards the end of his reign.
The Five Articles of Perth was an attempt by King James VI of Scotland to impose practices on the Church of
Scotland in an attempt to integrate it with those of the Church of England.[1] This move was unpopular with
those Scots who held Reformed views on worship, and with those who supported presbyterian church
governance.

Slide 8: Relationship with parliament

Issue over Buckingham and royal advisors in general.