Why Famous:He succeeded his mother Mary as King James VI of Scotland and later succeeded Elizabeth Tudor, who had his mother executed, as King James I of England.
He maintained the Protestant reformation, and authorised a translation of the Bible into contemporary English which is in use to this day.
Born: June 19, 1566 Birthplace:Edinburgh, Scotland Star Sign: Gemini
Died: March 27, 1625 (aged 58) Cause of Death: Dysentery
1591-01-27 Scottish schoolmaster Dr. John Fian burned for witchcraft at Castle Hill, Edinburgh by order King James VI. Part of the Berwick witch trials.
1594-01-29 Mathematician John Napier dedicates his "Plaine Discovery of the Whole Revelation of St. John" to King James VI, predicts end of the world in 1688 or 1700
1603-03-24 Scottish King James VI son of Mary Queen of Scots, becomes King James I of England in succession to Elizabeth I, thus joining the English and Scottish crowns
1603-04-05 New English King James I (James VI of Scotland) departs Edinburgh for London
1605-11-05 Gunpowder Plot: Catholic conspirator Guy Fawkes attempts to blow up King James I and the British Parliament. Plot discovered, Guy Fawkes caught, tortured and later executed along with seven others. Celebrated ever since as Guy Fawkes Day, where his effigy is traditionally burned on a bonfire, accompanied by fireworks.
1606-08-07 Possible first performance of Shakespeare's tragedy Macbeth, performed in the Great Hall at Hampton Court Palace for King James I
1606-12-26 First known performance of William Shakespeare's tragedy "King Lear" before the court of King James I at Whitehall, London
1610-03-21 King James I of England and VI of Scotland addresses English House of Commons
1612-10-28 Robert Dowland appointed court luitist of King James I
1614-04-05 2nd parliament of King James I begin session (no enactments)
1614-06-07 2nd parliament of King James I, dissolves passing no legislation