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This is my first ever attempt at a timeline, it's possibly deeply flawed, but I thought why not, hopefully I'll learn a lot in the process. I just hope this hasn't been done before
Henry IXth (The Great.), 1594 - 1662
Long recognised as one of the greatest monarchs the united kingdom of Britain has produced, this was a man seemingly destined from birth to be one of the great movers and shakers of history.
Born in Scotland (19th February 1594) at Stirling castle, the son of James VI of Scotland and Anne of Denmark. He was christened at midsummer and it is said that the central event in Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, written shortly after, is based on the royal baptismal party.
His father had high expectations of his eldest and in 1598 wrote the “Basilikon Doron” (Royal Gift) Giving guidelines as to how a successful monarch should rule his subjects.
(1594) Henry Stuart born, immediately given titles Duke of Rothesay, Earl of Carrick and Lord of the Isles, confirming him in the highest of Scottish titles.
(1603) Elizabeth 1st dies and James VI becomes James 1st of England. James confirms Henry as Duke of Cornwall.
(1605) Gunpowder plot.
(1610) Henry confirmed as Prince of Wales and Earl of Chester. Bringing the titles together of every male monarch who has subsequently held the throne of Britain. During this time Henry also befriended Sir Walter Raleigh as well as establishing a correspondence with Henry VI of France and Gustavus Adolphus of Sweden. Though when his father suggested a French marriage, he answered that he was 'resolved that two religions should not lie in his bed’.
(1611) King James Bible published.
(1612 POD) In November Henry decides to take an unseasonable swim in the Thames, subsequently contracts typhoid and was only saved by the intervention of his friend Sir Walter who despite being in the Tower of London procured some Quinine to break the fever. (OTL Henry dies and Charles became the successor)
(1612 – 1625) During this time Henry added to his increasing popularity by living a fairly austere protestant lifestyle (as opposed to the decadence of the Jacobean court) championing such causes as naval reform and reconstruction, and with an eye to the future, colonisation especially of Virginia, as well as encouraging various “troublemaking” protestant sects to set up their own colonies in the new world. He also interceded with his Father to stay the execution of his friend and mentor Sir Walter Raleigh.
It was during this time that Henry was betrothed in Marriage to Maria Elisabet of Sweden daughter of Charles IX and his second wife Christina of Holstein-Gottorp. The marriage was ostensibly a happy one, though rumours abounded of internal strife between the young couple. Though an initial Friendship with Henry IV of France’s son Louis XIII had been established, this relationship became strained over the years as the influence of Louis mother and her protégé Cardinal Richeleiu dominated Louis life. Henry also became famous for chivalry and his patronage of artists, architects, and men of letters, which seemed to promise that his reign would be a potential golden age for Britain. His friendship with various members of Parliament (Despite James having dissolved it) and his preparedness to listen to reason even if it went against his views frequently brought him into strife with his father. It is thought that at this time that Henry’s later reforms of Parliament and taxation were formulated by his discussions and friendship with William Cavendish, John Byron and the lawyer John Bradshaw, though his knowledge of Robert Cecil’s “Great contract” undoubtedly played a part.
(1618) Henry and Maria’s first child a son James Alexander born.
(1621) Henry and Maria’s second child, a son Robert William born.
(1625) Saw the death of James 1st of England, a man who started off in great popularity with the English but who’s actions over the years (His most cherished ambition – the union of England and Scotland – was thwarted by Parliament, who objected to James's wish to rename the joint realm 'Britain'. To Parliament, a new name meant a new kingdom in which James would be free to set himself up as an absolute emperor. In contrast, Parliament would be a mere provincial assembly. James's reaction was to try to enact the Union symbolically, using his own powers under the royal prerogative. By proclamation he assumed the title 'king of Great Britain'. He then announced a new union currency, royal coat of arms and flag. Not content with symbols, he also practised a union by stealth by filling his bedchamber, the inner circle of his court, almost exclusively with Scots. James took a more than fatherly interest in Scots lads with well-turned legs and firm buttocks, but recruiting them also suited him politically.
James had inherited a substantial debt from Elizabeth. He also had a large family to maintain and wanted to spend money on his favourites and pleasures. The crown's 'ordinary income' from land and custom duties was hopelessly inadequate, and there was no choice but to ask Parliament for more money. But Parliament saw no reason why tax payers' money should end up in the pockets of Scots favourites.)
Upon his accession, in 1625 Henry was crowned despite Parliaments objections as King of Britain. However one of his first acts as King was to assemble parliament to sort out the Royal finances and despite his inclination towards the divine right of Kings Henry accepted a modified version of the Great Contract allowing his household an income of £250,000 per annum. In return Henry gave up his feudal privileges and despite the occasional bouts of acrimony a working relationship (of sorts) was established. Indeed Parliament saw the need to strengthen the Kingdom both militarily and financially and with the support of the King looked for means to increase commerce and trade in order to pay for naval and military reconstruction.
Henry's first test as King though was not long in following.
The next stage should be to take Henry through the "Bishops War" with Scotland, winning it, and dealing with with a French financed revolt. I do want to leave Scotland a strong equal partner though as this will become necessary as Britain expands into the New World. Henry will also need military experience as I intend to have him play a very minor role in the 30 years war.
Help, suggestions even downright put downs gratefully received.