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Union of the Crowns (1603)

Study note

Elizabeth I never married and had no children, so when she died in 1603 there was no direct heir. The throne passed to her relative James VI of Scotland, who then also became James I of England. He was the same man wearing two crowns, not Henry VIII or any earlier king.

This event of 1603 is known as the Union of the Crowns. It brought England and Scotland under a single king for the first time. Even so, England and Scotland remained separate countries with their own parliaments and laws at this stage. The full political union of the two kingdoms would not happen until the Act of Union in 1707, over a century later. The key fact is that in 1603 James VI of Scotland became James I of England, joining the two crowns.

Memory tip: 1603, one king, two crowns: James VI of Scotland becomes James I of England.

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Question 1 of 2

Who became king of both England and Scotland in 1603?

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Show all questions and answers for Union of the Crowns (1603)(2 questions with explanations)

Union of the Crowns (1603): questions, answers and explanations

  1. 1. Who became king of both England and Scotland in 1603?

    • Charles II
    • James VI of Scotland (James I of England)
    • William the Conqueror
    • Henry VIII

    Correct answer: James VI of Scotland (James I of England)

    James VI of Scotland became James I of England, uniting the crowns in 1603.

  2. 2. Which of these statements is correct?

    • In 1603 James VI of Scotland also became Henry VIII of England
    • In 1603 James VI of Scotland also became James I of England

    Correct answer: In 1603 James VI of Scotland also became James I of England

    James VI of Scotland became James I of England in 1603.

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