Stuart

An allegorical scene showing the benefits of James I’s reign, by Simon Gribelin II after Peter Paul Rubes, 1720. Metropolitan Museum of Art. Public Domain.

‘The Sun Rising’ by Anna Whitelock review

The Sun Rising: James I and the Dawn of a Global Britain by Anna Whitelock offers a panoramic view of Jacobean foreign policy.

Portrait of Samuel Pepys by John Riley, late 17th century. Yale University Art Gallery. Public Domain.

The Hidden Diary of Samuel Pepys

When Samuel Pepys’ diary was first published 200 years ago it was an instant hit, but rumours soon spread about what had been cut and why.

George Villiers, first duke of Buckingham and lover of James I, after Renold Elstack, c.1700-20. Yale Center for British Art, Gift of George A. Douglass. Public Domain.

‘Queen James’ by Gareth Russell review

Queen James: The Life and Loves of Britain’s First King by Gareth Russell illuminates the inner life and passions of James VI and I.

A portrait of Charles I, anonymous artist, c.1650. Rijksmuseum. Public Domain.

Did Charles I Have to Die?

King Charles I’s execution in 1649 turned the world upside down – were other outcomes possible?

Portrait of James VI of Scotland, by Adrian Vanson, c.1585. Purported to be the marriage portrait sent to the Danish court to seduce Anna, his future wife.

James VI and I: Spinning the English Succession

Eager to be first in line, the astute James VI of Scotland responded to the question of the English succession with a war of words.

Elizabeth, duchess of Albemarle, unknown artist. Bridgeman Images.

The Mad Duchess Lives

Written into history as the ‘Mad Duchess’ of Albemarle, what brought about the downfall of Elizabeth Cavendish?

The assasination of George Villiers, the duke of Buckingham, and favourite to King James IV and I, by Romeyn de Hooghe, 1699. Herzog August Library. Public Domain.

‘The Scapegoat’ by Lucy Hughes-Hallett review

The Scapegoat: The Brilliant Brief Life of the Duke of Buckingham by Lucy Hughes-Hallett picks through the fragments of George Villiers, James VI & I’s favourite mistake.

Catherine of Braganza as St Catherine of Alexandria, by Jacob Huysmans, c.1665. Royal Collection Trust/Bridgeman Images.

‘The Lost Queen’ by Sophie Shorland review

The Lost Queen: The Surprising Life of Catherine of Braganza, Britain’s Forgotten Monarch by Sophie Shorland returns the consort to her rightful place in Restoration history.

A symbolic eagle brings a note concerning treason, possibly relating to the Gunpowder Plot of 1605, from Mischeefes mysterie London 1617, 1641. British Library/Bridgeman Images.

‘All His Spies’ and ‘Spycraft’ review

All His Spies: The Secret World of Robert Cecil and Spycraft: Tricks and Tools of the Dangerous Trade from Elizabeth I to the Restoration bring Tudor and Stuart espionage in from the cold.

A highwayman with a pistol robs a traveller armed only with a sword. Woodcut from a Roxburghe Ballad, 1682. Mary Evans Picture Library.

Highwaymen: The Road to Infamy

Highwaymen’s reputations plummeted in the 17th century. Once praised as heroes in the manner of Robin Hood, the media now lauded the brave bystanders who resisted them.