The Scottish parliament of 1640 was genuinely revolutionary, re-defining the relationship between king and his subjects, creating effectively a new (unwritten) constitution and government – the Committee of Estates
HoS 57 A National Covenant - Members Only
The national Covenant was an extraordinary mobilisation of public will in the face of widely feared religious changes. It drew on traditional forms – but the process was revolutionary TranscriptRead More
HoS 56 Who Will Do Me Service - Members Only
Charles I finally visited his kingdom in 1633 – 8 years after acceding the the throne, and his passage there was preceded by rumour and worry. The Coronation and parliament couldRead More
HoS 55 The Arrival of King Charles - Members Only
In 1625, Scotland had a new king – Charles Stuart. It’s widely accepted that he faced some intractable problems as ‘King of Britain’; but with skill and diplomacy,Read More
HoS 54 King of Britain - Members Only
In 1603 James VI also became James I of England. for the rest of his reign he would be an absentee in Scotland, except one visit in 1617. Would theRead More
HoS 53 16th Century Highlands and Islands - Members Only
The removal of the Macdonald Lords of the Isles by Stewart kings actually widened the gap between Scottish lowland and highland culture, and by the 16th century the differences becameRead More
HoS 52 National Building - Members Only
The urge to build a stronger sense of nationhood was a common movement throughout Europe, extending the effectiveness of central governance, law and public finance. In banishing factionalism, James wasRead More
HoS 51 Peace and Authority - Members Only
John Thirlsstone came to power on the coattails of the Duke of Lennox; ‘a puddock-stoole’ he was described by horrified Magnates, who would distrust is lowly birth. He and JamesRead More
HoS 50 The Cradle King - Members Only
A picture of a young James VI – falcon already on arm as James’ love of hunting started early. James VI described himself as the Cradle King – and crowned atRead More
HoS 49 The Trials of Mary - Members Only
Mary’s arrival in England was like a political bomb going off. As accusations from the Confederate lords followed her over the border, Mary would have to fight for herRead More