King James I of England and VI of Scotland in Parliament
King James I of England and VI of Scotland in Parliament
possibly by Renold or Reginold Elstrack (Elstracke)
line engraving, published 1610 (published 1608)
12 1/8 in. x 7 1/2 in. (308 mm x 190 mm) paper size
Purchased with help from the Friends of the National Libraries and the Pilgrim Trust, 1966
Reference Collection
NPG D18234
Sitterback to top
- King James I of England and VI of Scotland (1566-1625), Reigned Scotland 1567-1625 and England 1603-25. Sitter associated with 199 portraits. Identify
Artistback to top
- Renold or Reginold Elstrack (Elstracke) (1570-in or after 1625), Engraver. Artist or producer associated with 152 portraits.
This portraitback to top
King James had a well-grounded fear of plots. His father Lord Darnley was blown up when James was eight months old and his mother Mary, Queen of Scots was imprisoned by Elizabeth I and beheaded in 1587. When James was crowned King of England following Elizabeth's death in 1603, he tried to foster a new sense of national unity and peace. This print shows James and his ministers as they would have appeared in Parliament on 5 November 1605.
Placesback to top
- Place portrayed: United Kingdom: England, London (Parliament, Palace of Westminster, London)
Linked displays and exhibitionsback to top
- Plots, Intrigue and Murder from 1580 - 1700 (25 May 2013 - 8 December 2013)
- Gunpowder, Treason and Plot (17 September 2005 - 18 December 2005)
Subjects & Themesback to top
Events of 1610back to top
Current affairs
Lady Arabella Stuart, cousin of James I, secretly marries William Seymour, Marquess of Hertford.James I's chaotic finances prompts Robert Cecil, Earl of Salisbury to submit to Parliament the great contract which proposed increases to the king's income for James's relinquishment of his feudal rights; however, it was not implemented.
Art and science
The Alchemist, by playwright Benjamin Jonson, is first performed by the acting troupe, the King's Men. Jonson also writes Prince Henry's Barriers, in honour of Henry, Prince of Wales.Stationers' Company agrees to give Thomas Bodley a copy of every book registered with them for his growing Bodleian Library.
International
Henry IV, King of France, is assassinated in Paris by Catholic fanatic, François Ravaillac. Henry, born a Calvinist, converted to Catholicism before ascending the throne to appease his future subjects. Although a popular king, much loved by his people, two earlier attempts had been made on his life.Comments back to top
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