House of Stuart & Cromwell (1603 - 1658)
James VI/I (1603 –1625)
Elizabeth I – the Virgin Queen – died in 1603 leaving no successor. This led the way James VI, King of Scotland (son of Mary, Queen of Scots), to succeed as James I, King of England, effectively making him the first King of Great Britain, who ruled the ‘Union of the Crowns’ from 1603 until his death.
James, himself an Anglican, was fairly tolerant towards other religions, but when Guy Fawkes and other Catholics conspired to blow up the Houses of Parliament (www.parliament.uk/), James was forced to reimpose strict penalties on Catholics. As an arts patron, James built the Banqueting House in Whitehall, and literature and drama thrived at his court.
Oliver Cromwell (1653 – 1658)
Oliver Cromwell is one of two common people ever to be appointed English Head of State. Oliver was an English military leader, politician, and dictator. Although never a king, Oliver’s leadership during this time makes him an important figure in the history of Great Britain.
Oliver came to lead the Army, after starting out in the lower levels during the War against the Crown; he went on to rule England, Scotland, and Ireland as Lord Protector from 1653 – 1658. After the Restoration of the Monarchy in 1660, Oliver’s body was exhumed and hung in chains at Tyburn by Hyde Park. The Cromwell family home is in Ely and it is believed he died of Malaria.
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For any of you garden lovers or those planning a history or heritage themed trip around Britain, the essential "buy before you leave" product is the Great British Heritage Pass. Providing free entry into over 600 castles, gardens and stately homes across the length and breadth of Britain, it really is the key to unlocking Britain's secrets.
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