The Stuart period in British history, which lasted from 1603 to 1714, was an eventful one. It saw the rise and fall of the reigning monarchy and the transformation of the country from a small island nation to a major European power. We will explore the ten most interesting and significant facts about the Stuart period. From the Gunpowder Plot to the Great Fire of London, this period of British history is full of amazing stories and events.
1. The Stuart Period was between 1603 to 1714.
The Stuart Period was between 1603 and 1714.
It was just after the Tudor Period.
Lots of historic events happened during this time.
2. In total there were 7 Monarchs in the Stuart Period.
The Stuarts were the first Kings of the United Kingdom.
James VI of Scotland was also known as King James I of England. This is the first time that England and Scotland had the same King!
They were:
1566–1625: James VI and I
1600–1649: Charles I
1630–1685: Charles II
1633–1701: James II and VII
1650–1702: William III and II
1662–1694: Mary II
1665–1714: Anne
3. The Gunpowder Plot happened in the Stuart Times.
The Gunpowder Plot happened on 5th November 1605.
It was a plot to blow up the Houses of Parliament and kill King James I.
This was because the Catholics were unhappy with the way they were being treated.
The plotters rented a cellar that went under the Houses of Parliament.
However, the plan failed when someone anonymous warned Lord Monteagle about what was going to happen.
Guy Fawkes was then found in the cellar as he was preparing the gunpowder.
This is where fireworks night comes from.
4. The Plague happened during the Stuart period.
The plague was between the years of 1665 and 1666.
It was known as ‘The Great Plague’ and the ‘bubonic plague’.
The most common symptoms were headaches, fever, swellings and coughing up blood.
Over 100,000 people sadly lost their lives from it in London.
Doctors would wear these masks to protect themselves.
5. The Great Fire of London happened during this time.
The Great Fire of London happened in 1666.
It started in Pudding Lane and went on for four whole days.
Lots of houses were burnt down and people lost their homes.
6. Cities were very crowded which lead to bad hygiene.
During the Stuart period, cities were very over-crowded.
They were also very dirty which didn’t help when it came to illnesses.
The River Thames was a breeding ground for germs.
People put their rubbish in there and also emptied their toilets into the river.
The horrible thing is… they used to wash up and bathe in that very same river.
Yuck!
7. Shakespeare was alive in the Stuart period!
William Shakespeare was around in the Stuart period.
He was a poet, playwriter and actor.
Shakespeare was born in 1564 in Stratford-Upon-Avon.
8. The Royal Family were abolished in 1649 after Charles I was beheaded.
King Charles I ruled without the parliament for over a decade.
This was because he believed that all the power should be in his hands.
Charles was beheaded in 1649 and after this the monarchy was abolished.
Parliament then ruled until 1660, when the monarchy was restored.
9. In 1707 Scotland joined England and they became one.
Scotland and England weren’t always joined.
In 1603 James VI of Scotland also became King James I of England, however Scotland and England were still separate.
However in 1707, during the reign of Queen Anne, both countries joined together to make Great Britain.
10. There were Frost Fairs on the River Thames.
During these times it used to get very cold. The nights would be below freezing.
The Thames used to freeze, sometimes for up to two months.
It was known as ‘The Little Ice Age’.
People would have something called a Frost Fair.
They would go onto the river and ice skate, eat food and listen to music.
CC: King James I of England and VI of Scotland by Daniel Mytens (NPG 109)
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