Charles I

On March 27, 1625, the ill-fated Charles I became King of England, Scotland, and Ireland. Sadly, as with his grandmother, it was not a job to which he was well suited. Charles, the grandson of Mary, Queen of Scots, was born during Elizabeth’s reign and came to the throne at the young age of 24. He believed firmly in the divine right of kings and … Continue reading Charles I

EditorBeeMarch 27, 2011Leave a comment

Georgian Period

The Old Pretender

On March 23, 1708, James, the only son of the deposed James II, attempted to invade Scotland in his first try at taking back the British throne. He was unsuccessful—the fleet of Admiral Sir George Byng drove him back at the Firth of Forth. James, who became known as “the Old Pretender” was a controversial figure from birth. Soon after he was born on June … Continue reading The Old Pretender

EditorBeeMarch 23, 2011Leave a comment