While The Buck and Baby Charles warmed themselves on the unfamiliar fires of popularity in their search for war, James was fading. At Theobalds in March 1625 his reign finallyRead More
Stuarts
342 Spanish Mismatch
The identity of Mr Wiat’s mysterious traveler is revealed, and London goes potty. Buckingham is confirmed as the Prince’s favourite as well as the king’s – and there’s troubleRead More
340 Ancient Birthright
In 1621 James tried to tread a narrow path to peace in Europe – through the instrument of a Marriage between the England and Spanish royal families. To have aRead More
339 A Scandal in Bohemia
As Buckingham acquires wealth and influence, the English court is rocked by an event in far-off Bohemia that will result in devastation throughout Europe. Also there is news ofRead More
338 Book of Books
We follow James north to Scotland, a visit with consequences. And on the way south, hear about the culture wars – and the Book of Sports. Then we celebrate, aRead More
337 The Favourite Favourite
James VI & I had enjoyed favourites before – Esme Stuart, Robert Kerr for example. But George Villiers was to prove his favourite And we introduce the finelyRead More
336 The Jacobean Plantations of Ireland
The Jacobean plan for Ulster owed much not only to previous failed Tudor plantation schemes, but to James’s highland experience and his desire to build a unified, secure BritishRead More
335 This Sin of Blood
News of the Thomas Overbury scandal spread through England to become a national event. How would the scandal affect the image of the court? Much depended on how theRead More
334 Murder!
In 1615, Ralph Winwood interviewed Gervase Elwes, Lieutenant of the Tower about the suspicious death of Thomas Overbury. Gervase spilled his guts. The Image on the left is Westminster Hall,Read More
333 Addled
With Robert Kerr as the royal favourite there were all sorts of intrigues going on at court – and an outrageous love affair. All the while, James’ parliament ofRead More
332 The Great Contract
Salisbury makes a last ditch attempt to resolve the problems of royal income. While the success of Robert Kerr at court signals the arrival of a new royal favouriteRead More
331 Captain Pouch
Enclosure has a long history in England from the 15th – 19th century. In 1607 ordinary people resisting the destruction of their livelihoods found a leader – Captain Pouch Read More
330 John Bates’ Currants
Although the case for a Great Britain failed to win many hearts, the dual monarchy ended the history of the Reivers at last. But a seemingly small customs dispute aboutRead More
329 Oaths and Libels
By the time parliament met again in 1606, James’ government was dominated by the men he laughingly referred to as his ‘Trinity of Knaves’. And the foremost of thoseRead More
328 Apology, Explosion, Satisfaction
There’s so much to talk about! James’ first, management-by-irritation of parliament of 1604 and the passive aggressive Apology and Satisfaction right back at him. And – the Gunpowder Treason andRead More
327 Under New Management
James quickly established his household with Scots taking a large share, with associated argy bargy. Queen Anne also established her court, which would become a cultural centre and popular destinationRead More
326 King of Scots
By the time James VI came to England in 1603, he had 26 years experience of kingship, and had established his authority in Scotland, and was a self confident ruler,Read More
325 James and the Historians
History has treated James roughly – helped by a 17th century hatchet job. But over the last 50 years, there has been much more appreciation of the challenges he faced,Read More
324a The 30 Years War with Zack Twamley
Zack is the author of for God and the Devil, and we discuss the highlights and numerous lowlights of the 30 years war Everyone loves a good historical novel –Read More
324 Europe XII Colonisation and War
The early 17th century saw the emergence of the Dutch Republic as a new colonial power, and the resurgence of France after her religious wars. But most of all theRead More
323 Europe XII Absolutely Nations
Hobbes argued that only an all powerful ruler could do what was required to protect the people and preserve property, and for that the loss of individual liberty was worth paying.Read More
322 Europe XII Religion and Science
In the first of three episodes on Europe 1600-1650, we talk about religion, scientific revolution, and Witchcraft. And why Galileo was a weaker No 8 than Dean Richards. For thoseRead More
Sh 36c BCL Revolutions - Members Only
It all comes back to the 17th century really. At the start, a king who believes in the absolute divine right of kings, who calls parliament as he requires. AtRead More
HiT The Witch
The first of an occasional series where we look at the representation of folk tales and beliefs of the past, and how accurately film has presented them. We are joined inRead More
Sh 29 Religious Conflict and Toleration - Members Only
How religious toleration come to the West, and why
222a The Tower of London by James Holdstock
James Holdstock is a big fan of The Tower of London; he talks about a fortress which has a history as winding, bloody, mysterious and inspiring as England’s, and is a mustRead More