James I

The first king to rule both England and Scotland, and the patron of the King James Bible.

Life

King of Scots

James was the son of Mary, Queen of Scots. When he was one year old his mother was forced to abdicate, and he became King of Scots as James VI.

Personal union

In 1603 Elizabeth I died without an heir, and as a blood relative of the Tudor family he inherited the English throne as James I, founding the Stuart dynasty and bringing England and Scotland into a personal union for the first time. In 1605 he escaped assassination in the Gunpowder Plot.

King James Bible

The King James Bible, whose translation he sponsored, was published in 1611 and profoundly influenced the English language. He championed the "divine right of kings," and his relations with Parliament were strained. He died in 1625.

Legacy

James I began the union of England and Scotland, and the King James Bible is one of the most influential books in the English-speaking world.

Major works & achievements

• The True Law of Free Monarchies
• Basilikon Doron

Did you know? Jamestown, the first permanent English colony in North America, was named after him.

Key dates

• 1567Became King of Scots
• 1603Inherited the English throne
• 1605Gunpowder Plot
• 1611King James Bible published
• 1625Died