From Tudor to Stuart: The Regime Change from Elizabeth I to James I

by Susan Doran

From Tudor to The Regime Change from Elizabeth I to James I tells the story of the troubled accession of England's first Scottish king and the transition from the age of the Tudors to the age of the Stuarts at the dawn of the seventeenth century.


From Tudor to The Regime Change from Elizabeth I to James I tells the story of the dramatic accession and first decade of the reign of James I and the transition from the Elizabethan to the Jacobean era, using a huge range of sources, from state papers and letters to drama, masques, poetry, and a host of material objects.

The Virgin Queen was a hard act to follow for a Scottish newcomer who faced a host of problems in his first years as not only the ghost of his predecessor and her legacy but also unrest in Ireland, serious questions about his legitimacy on the English throne, and even plots to remove him (most famously the Gunpowder Plot of 1605). Contrary to traditional assumptions, James's accession was by no means a smooth one.

The really important question about James's reign, of course, is the extent of change that occurred in national political life and royal policies. Sue Doran also examines how far the establishment of a new Stuart dynasty resulted in fresh personnel at the centre of power, and the alterations in monarchical institutions and shifts in political culture and governmental policies that occurred. Here the book offers a fresh look at James and his wife Anna, suggesting a new interpretation of their
characters and qualities.

But the Jacobean era was not just about James and his wife, and Regime Change includes a host of historical figures, many of whom will be familiar to whether Walter Raleigh, Robert Cecil, or the Scots who filled James's inner court. The inside story of the Jacobean court also brings to life the wider politics and national events of the early seventeenth century, including the Gunpowder Plot, the establishment of Jamestown in Virginia, the Plantations in Ulster, the growing
royal struggle with parliament, and the doomed attempt to bring about union with Scotland.

Genres: History, Nonfiction

645 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 22, 2024

About the author

Dr Susan Doran is a British historian whose primary studies surround the reign of Elizabeth I, in particular the theme of marriage and succession. She has published and edited sixteen books, most notably Elizabeth I and Religion, 1558-1603, Monarchy and Matrimony and Queen Elizabeth I, part of the British Library's Historic Lives series.

She is currently a tutor and member of the history faculty at Christ Church, Oxford University where her specific area of interest is stated as being Early Modern British and European history. Previously, Doran was a reader in history, Senior Lecturer in History and Teaching Studies and Director of the History Programme at St Mary's College, Strawberry Hill, part of the University of Surrey.

She is also a Director of Studies for history at Regent's Park College and Senior Research Fellow for History at Jesus College

Reviews

[Mark]

From Tudor to Stuart: The Regime Change from Elizabeth I to James I by Susan Doran

What happens when one of England’s most iconic monarchs is succeeded by a Scottish king facing political uncertainty, religious tensions, court intrigue, and threats to his throne?

Susan Doran’s From Tudor to Stuart takes readers into the fascinating transition from Elizabeth I to James I, exploring the Gunpowder Plot, the Jacobean court, the struggle with Parliament, the Plantations in Ulster, Jamestown, and the attempted union between England and Scotland.

Beyond the major historical events, the book offers plenty to discuss: Was James I truly prepared to succeed Elizabeth? How much did the Stuart accession change English political life? And how did personality, power, and royal authority shape this new era?

With its rich historical sources and thought-provoking interpretation of James I and Anna, this book would make an excellent choice for a book club interested in history, monarchy, politics, leadership, and the forces that reshape nations.

We would love to introduce this compelling historical work to your reading community for a thoughtful and engaging discussion.

[Julie]

The transition of power from Elizabeth I to James I doesn’t make for the most exciting topic, though the book was certainly scholarly and informative. It addresses everything from how the government functioned, to court etiquette, entertainment, religion, policy, and people during James’ first decade of reigning England. Because he didn’t demand radical changes to how the government functioned and adapted to England’s existing parliamentary structure, he didn’t cause much upheaval.

I now have a better understanding of why James promoted the Union of Scotland and England into Great Britain. I also learned more about the Gunpowder Plot and how detrimental it would have been had it succeeded. There were some interesting topics, but overall, this read like a textbook and was not engaging.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher.

[France Edward]

Susan Doran provides a fascinating and richly researched examination of the transition from Elizabeth I to James I. What makes the book especially compelling is its challenge to the idea that 1603 represented a simple, seamless transfer of power. The attention to James’s court, political relationships, religious tensions, and the proposed union with Scotland gives the period remarkable depth. A valuable and thought-provoking study for anyone interested in Tudor and early Stuart history.

[Noah]

A fascinating look at one of the most important transitions in English history. Susan Doran goes beyond the simple story of Elizabeth I being succeeded by James I and explores the political tensions, personalities, and challenges that shaped the early Stuart era. Thoroughly researched and highly engaging.

[Allyson Brown]

This book offers a refreshing perspective on James I's accession and the transition from Tudor to Stuart rule. I particularly appreciated the attention given to the political culture of the period and the complicated relationship between the monarchy and Parliament. An excellent choice for anyone interested in early modern British history.

[Liam]

Susan Doran brings the Jacobean period to life with an impressive range of historical sources. The discussions of James I, Anna, the Gunpowder Plot, the Scottish connection, and the changing royal court make this much more than a straightforward account of succession. Detailed, thoughtful, and illuminating.

[Victor]

A compelling examination of what really changed when James I came to the English throne. Rather than treating the transition as a smooth handover, Doran reveals the uncertainty and political difficulties surrounding the new Stuart regime. The historical detail is impressive without losing sight of the people and events at the heart of the story.

[Amelia Blake]

An insightful and well-researched study of the transition from Elizabethan England to Jacobean England. The book provides a deeper understanding of James I's early reign while placing major events such as the Gunpowder Plot and the struggle with Parliament into a broader political context. A valuable read for students and history enthusiasts alike.

[Susan]

A compelling and detailed exploration of the moment England moved from Tudor to Stuart rule. Susan Doran does an excellent job of showing that James I's accession was far more complicated than a simple change of monarch. The political uncertainty, court dynamics, and challenges facing the new king make this an especially engaging study of a fascinating period in English history.

[Matthew]

A compelling and detailed exploration of the moment England moved from Tudor to Stuart rule. Susan Doran does an excellent job of showing that James I's accession was far more complicated than a simple change of monarch. The political uncertainty, court dynamics, and challenges facing the new king make this an especially engaging study of a fascinating period in English history.

[James Carter]

A fascinating account of a crucial turning point in English history. Susan Doran brings together politics, royal personalities, court life, and major events to show just how complex the transition from Elizabeth I to James I really was. The book offers plenty of historical insight and provides a deeper appreciation of the forces that shaped the beginning of the Stuart era.

[Katie Colley]

Diss vibes 🫶🏻

[Daniel Anderson]

An insightful look at a fascinating change of reign. Doran brings the politics and personalities of the Tudor-Stuart transition to life beautifully.

[Emily]

A really interesting look at the change from Elizabeth I to James I. I especially enjoyed the discussion of the political challenges James faced when he first became king.

[James]

Susan Doran does a great job explaining the transition from the Tudor period to the Stuart era. The book is detailed but gives a fascinating picture of the people and politics of the time.

[Michael]

I found this book very informative and surprisingly engaging. The sections on James I, the Gunpowder Plot, and the relationship with Parliament were particularly interesting.

[Oliva]

A well-researched account of a complicated period in English history. I liked how Doran looked beyond the royal succession and explored the wider political changes taking place.

[Matthew]

An insightful book for anyone interested in Tudor and Stuart history. It gave me a much better understanding of James I and the difficulties surrounding the beginning of his reign.

[Emily Carter]

A fascinating read about a major turning point in English history. I enjoyed learning more about James I and how different his reign was from Elizabeth I’s.

[Anthony Joshua]

Really enjoyed this one. It gives a clear and interesting look at James I’s early years and the political changes that came with the new Stuart dynasty.

[Ethan]

A fascinating look at the end of the Tudor era and the beginning of Stuart rule. I especially liked the way the book brings the political tensions of the period to life.

[Daniel]

A very interesting historical read. I liked how Susan Doran explains the challenges James I faced while taking over from Elizabeth I.

[Benjamin]

I enjoyed this book more than I expected. It gives a clear picture of the changes taking place as England moved from Tudor to Stuart rule.

[Ava]

An easy and interesting way to understand the start of James I’s reign. The political side of the story was especially interesting to me.

[Mark Williams]

I really love this book