British Civilisation
Lecture Five
The Rise of The Stuarts (1603-1714)
James I (1603-1625)
The Stuart era began when James I, who was also James VI of Scotland, succeeded
Elizabeth I. The last Tudor queen died childless in 1603. James's ascension to the throne
conjoined the two long-warring nations of England and Scotland (Union of Crown).
His regin was marked by a fervent ambition to unite Scotland and England under one banner,
but this dream was a not without its challenges, as James found himself with constant conflict
with the parliament. He was a staunch believer in the divine right of kings.
In 1605, a plot was orchestrated by a group of English Catholics who were frustrated by the
oppressive laws against Catholics and hoped to end Protestant rule by killing the king and his
ministers. This is known as the Gunpowder Plot.
James insisted his authority was derived directly from God, causing friction with subjects.
His reign was also marked by religious turmoil. However, it was in this time when he
translated the Bible into English in 1611 (The King James Bible).
Charles I (1625-1649)
His reign was fraught with conflicts, he was a man with deep religious conviction. This piety
led to intense power struggle with the parliament.
His belief in the divine right of kings put him at odds with those who demand constitutional
checks on royal authority. This friction ignited the spark of the English Civil War, a bloody
conflict that divided the nation.
The English Civil War (1642-1649)
The English Civil War was a conflict in England between the Royalists (Cavaliers) and the
Parliamentarians (Roundheads) between 1642 and 1649. The war was caused by quarrels
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The Rise of The Stuarts (1603-1714)
between King Charles I and parliament over religion (Archbishop Laud’s decoration of the
churches), power (the Grand Remonstrance) and money (the unfair Ship Tax). Key battle
includes the Battle of Naseby in 1645. The king was eventually put on trial, found guilty of
treason and executed. Oliver Cromwell became Lord Protector of the short-lived republic.
The Interregnum Period in England (1649-1660)
A decade long experiment with Republicanism. Oliver Cromwell, a military and political
leader stepped into the power vacuum, establishing the Commonwealth of London. His rule
often prescribed as a protectorate, was marked by Puritanical approach to governance, and
tension against monarchical rule. Yet, the absence of the king or queen was not to last.
The Interregnum ended with restoration of the monarchy and the reign of Charles II.
Charles II (1660-1685)
Known as the merry monarch, brought a radical shift to English rule. His reign coined as 'The
Restoration' was a period of rebuilding, both literally and metaphorically after the turmoil of
the English Civil War and the Interregnum.
Charles II was keen patron of the art and science, fostering a cultural resurgence that still
resonates today. However, his reign was not without its challenges. The Great Fire of London
in 1666, for example was a catastrophic event that reshaped the city's landscape.
Charles II personal life also raised eyebrows particularly his lack of legitimate heirs despite
his numerous affairs. Following Charles' death, his brother James II ascended the throne.
James II (1685-1688)
A staunch Catholic in a predominantly Protestant country. James' reign was fraught with
religious tension. His attempt to grant religious freedom to Catholics were met with
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resistance, stroking fears of a return to Catholic rule. This tension reached a boiling point in
the Glorious Revolution of 1688, when James was deposed in favour of his Protestant
daughter Mary, and her husband William of Orange.
The Revolution was relatively bloodless, but it marked a significant shift in the balance of
power. The reign of the two brother (Charles II and James II) were marked by religious
tension, leading to the Glorious Revolution and the reign of William III and Mary II.
William III and Mary II (1689-1702)
They reigned jointly, this royal couple, both grandchildren of Charles I ascended the throne
together in 1689, marking a distinctive shift in the English Monarchy. Their reign was
characterised with the Glorious Revolution, a bloodless coup saw the overthrow of James II.
Under their leadership, the Bill of Rights was enacted in 1689. This seminal document still
in effect today, restricted the powers of the monarchs and paved the way for England's
transition to a Constitutional Monarchy.
It affirmed Parliament's right to make laws and levy taxes, and stated that the monarch could
not oppose or do anything without the parliament consent in these matters.
The reign of William and Mary was short-lived, Mary died in 1694, and William who
continued to rule alone, followed in 1702. Their lack of heirs led the throne to Mary's sister
Anne.
Queen Anne (1702-1714)
Her reign was marked by the Act of Union in 1707, a historical event that united England and
Scotland into a single entity known as 'Great Britain'. Anne, however was less fortunate in
her personal life, she endured numerous miscarriages, stillbirths and the death of her young
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The Rise of The Stuarts (1603-1714)
children. Her only son to survive infancy, William Duke of Gloucester, died at the age of 11,
leaving Anne without a direct heir.
When Anne died in 1714, the Stuart dynasty came to an end. Her lack of surviving heirs led
to the ascension of George I, the first monarch of the house of Hanover, who was chosen for
his Protestant faith, avoiding Catholic succession.
The Stuart era began when James I, who was also James VI of Scotland, succeeded
Elizabeth I. The last Tudor queen had died childless in 1603. James's ascension to the
throne conjoined the two long-warring nations of England and Scotland. The Stuart
period witnessed intense religious and political conflicts, which shifted power from the
monarchy to Parliament. Meanwhile, discoveries and innovations transformed science,
architecture and everyday life.
