House of Stuart
The House of Stuart, also known as Stewart, was a royal house that ruled Scotland from 1371 to 1714, and England, Scotland, and Ireland from 1603 to 1714. Their reign is notable for significant political, religious, and cultural developments in Britain.
Origins
The family name "Stewart" originates from the title "High Steward of Scotland," which was held by Walter FitzAlan, who was appointed by David I of Scotland in the 12th century. His descendants adopted "Stewart" as their surname, and they eventually ascended to the Scottish throne through:
- Robert II of Scotland, who succeeded his uncle David II in 1371, becoming the first Stewart king.
Monarchs
The Stuarts produced several notable monarchs:
- James VI and I, who became King of Scotland in 1567 and King of England and Ireland in 1603, uniting the crowns.
- Charles I, whose reign ended in civil war and his execution in 1649.
- Charles II, who was restored to the throne in 1660.
- James II of England (James VII of Scotland), whose Catholic faith led to the Glorious Revolution and his deposition in 1688.
- Mary II and William III, who ruled as co-monarchs after the Glorious Revolution.
- Anne, the last Stuart monarch, whose reign saw the Acts of Union in 1707, creating Great Britain.
Major Events
- The Union of the Crowns in 1603, when James VI of Scotland became James I of England, marking the beginning of the Personal Union of the crowns of Scotland and England.
- The English Civil War (1642-1651), which led to the temporary overthrow of the monarchy.
- The Glorious Revolution of 1688-1689, where James II was deposed, and William of Orange and Mary II were invited to take the throne, leading to the establishment of constitutional monarchy.
- The Act of Settlement in 1701, which excluded Catholics from the succession, ensuring Protestant succession.
- The Jacobite Risings from 1689 to 1746, attempts by supporters of the exiled Stuarts to regain the British throne.
Legacy
The Stuarts left a complex legacy:
- Their rule saw the development of British constitutional monarchy, the establishment of the Church of England as the national church, and the beginning of the British Empire.
- Their failure to manage religious tensions, particularly between Protestants and Catholics, led to the end of their dynasty.
- Their influence extended into art, culture, and politics, with figures like Charles II promoting the arts and sciences.
Sources
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