King James I (June 19, 1566 – March 27, 1625) ruled Scotland as James VI from 1567 and became the first monarch of England and Scotland in 1603, uniting the crowns after Elizabeth I’s death. His reign, known as the Jacobean era, was marked by efforts toward political unity, literary flourishing, and religious conflicts.
Born to Mary, Queen of Scots, James ascended the throne as an infant after his mother’s forced abdication. He formally assumed power in 1583, advocating for absolute monarchy. In 1603, he inherited the English throne, ruling until his death in 1625. His attempts at unification met resistance, and he struggled with Parliament over finances and policies.
James’s reign saw the Gunpowder Plot (1605), the expansion of English colonization in America, and the commissioning of the King James Bible (1611). A patron of the arts, he supported Shakespeare and Donne. Though criticized for political missteps, modern historians view him as a pragmatic leader who sought peace.
James died in 1625, succeeded by his son Charles I. His impact on British history endures through his literary and political contributions.