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James I and the Union of the Crowns (1603)

Study note

Elizabeth I never married and so had no children of her own to follow her. When she died in 1603, the crown therefore passed to her cousin, James VI of Scotland. He became King James I of England, Wales and Ireland, while at the same time remaining King of Scotland.

This event is known as the Union of the Crowns, because the same person now wore the crowns of both England and Scotland. It is important to understand, though, that Scotland still remained a separate country with its own government. The two kingdoms shared a monarch but were not yet one nation.

A famous achievement of James I's reign was a new English translation of the Bible. This is known as the King James Version, or sometimes the Authorised Version, and it is still read in many Protestant churches today. For the test, link the year 1603 with James VI of Scotland becoming James I of England, and connect his reign with the King James Bible.

Memory tip: 1603: James VI of Scotland becomes James I of England; the King James Bible.

Practise this topic

Question 1 of 3

Who became King of England in 1603 after the death of Elizabeth I?

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Show all questions and answers for James I and the Union of the Crowns (1603)(3 questions with explanations)

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

  1. 1. Who became King of England in 1603 after the death of Elizabeth I?

    • James VI of Scotland (James I of England)
    • William of Orange
    • Henry VIII
    • Charles I

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

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

  2. 2. What was the famous English Bible translation produced during the reign of James I?

    • The Magna Carta
    • The Book of Common Prayer
    • The King James Version
    • The Domesday Book

    Correct answer: The King James Version

    The King James Version of the Bible was produced during the reign of James I.

  3. 3. When Elizabeth I died in 1603, under which king were the crowns of England and Scotland joined?

    • Henry VII
    • James I
    • Oliver Cromwell
    • Charles I

    Correct answer: James I

    James I (James VI of Scotland) joined the crowns of England and Scotland in 1603.

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