James Francis Edward Stuart

Known as the Old Pretender, born in 1688 and dying in 1766, he was the head of a failed rising in 1708 as well as in 1715. He was raised a Catholic, but what I am wondering is, what are the chances of him realising he has to convert to Protestantism to be accepted, and doing so?
 
Known as the Old Pretender, born in 1688 and dying in 1766, he was the head of a failed rising in 1708 as well as in 1715. He was raised a Catholic, but what I am wondering is, what are the chances of him realising he has to convert to Protestantism to be accepted, and doing so?

Absolutely ZERO. In the negotiations between the Jacobites and the Tories in the years leading up to Anne's death (off and on from about 1710 to 1714) James was basically told that the Tories would not and could not restore him if he didn't convert. James response was something along the lines of God being more important then a throne and that it would be God's will if he was restored. No chance of James pulling a Henri IV.
 
His son Bonnie Prince Charlie did convert (albeit briefly) after the failure of the '45, but by then Jacobitism was pretty much doomed.

To get James to even consider converting, you'd probably have to change his personality/upbringing such that he'd be virtually unrecognisable.
 
His son Bonnie Prince Charlie did convert (albeit briefly) after the failure of the '45, but by then Jacobitism was pretty much doomed.

To get James to even consider converting, you'd probably have to change his personality/upbringing such that he'd be virtually unrecognisable.

Basically this. Charles Edward was cut from a cloth not unlike his great-uncle Charles in his youth and was, after the failure of the '45, away from his father for the rest of the later's life. Compare to James III, who grew up and lived for much of his early life in France. He was told by his father on his death-bed to stay loyal to the faith and Louis XIV promised to be his greatest ally and supporter, but only if he stayed in the faith. Considering how much the importance of staying in the faith was imposed on him its not surprising that James never seriously (as far as we know) considered converting.
 
Okay very interesting. Leads to some problems for the timeline I am considering then. Though what if there was some sort of 'divine intervention' as it were from James pov?
 
I have often pondered on the mentality of the Stuarts. They tended to vary between being worldly and practical (James I (sort of), Charles II, Mary and Anne) and, well, insanely impractical or theologically rigid (Charles I, James II, every male heir for the next two generations at least).
 
I have often pondered on the mentality of the Stuarts. They tended to vary between being worldly and practical (James I (sort of), Charles II, Mary and Anne) and, well, insanely impractical or theologically rigid (Charles I, James II, every male heir for the next two generations at least).

Tbf James I was a bit of an idiot with regards to some things, he did teach dear old Charles about the divine right of kings. Even Charles II was more inclined toward family than some might think
 
If he converted, he would have secured the throne. The Tories who held political sway wanted it, Anne didn't like the Electress of Hanover or Georg Ludwig much so she would have rather seen her nephew on the throne. But JFES was not just any old Catholic, he was more Catholic than certain members of the clergy (which caused problems for his proposed coronation during the Jacobite rising of '15, as he couldn't agree the ceremony with the Bishop who was going to crown him). The pope would have converted before him.
 
The Glorious Revolution resulting in James VII/II being removed from the throne in favour of his son is one way to get this outcome. However, it would depend on the Prince of Orange not deciding that he wanted the throne. As far as I'm aware the option of James being removed in favour of his son was never seriously canvassed even amongst the Tories, but there is precedent in reasonably recent Stewart history for a baby to be proclaimed monarch after its parent has been forced to abdicate.
 
The Glorious Revolution resulting in James VII/II being removed from the throne in favour of his son is one way to get this outcome. However, it would depend on the Prince of Orange not deciding that he wanted the throne. As far as I'm aware the option of James being removed in favour of his son was never seriously canvassed even amongst the Tories, but there is precedent in reasonably recent Stewart history for a baby to be proclaimed monarch after its parent has been forced to abdicate.

Hmm interesting, of course one does wonder what impact having Le Grand Dauphin succeed to the throne of france might have had as well, if I remember correctly he quite malleable
 
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