Full name: James I Born: 19th June 1566 Place of Birth: Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh Ascended to the throne: 24th March 1603, aged 36 years Crowned: 25th July 1603, at Westminster Abbey, also as James VI of Scotland at Stirling Castle on 29th July 1567 Reign: 22 years. King of Scotland for 57 years Died: 27th March 1625, Herefordshire

As the first Stuart king of England, James was born on 19th June 1566, to Mary, Queen of Scots. Mary was forced to abdicate the throne to look after James.

James didn't take control of Scotland until 1581, but became nominal ruler in 1576.

In 1586, James became allies with Elizabeth I under the treaty of Berwick. He did this with the hope of being named as her successor.

James married Anne of Denmark in 1589, and they had seven children together.

James had been king of Scotland for 36 years when in 1603, Queen Elizabeth died. James became king of England. He only returned to Scotland once in 1617.

In 1604, he tried to create European peace, and managed to end the war with Spain.

He commissioned the King James Authorized Version of the Bible, published in 1611, which remains one of the most important English translations of the Bible.

James died 27th March 1625, and his second son Charles took the throne.