James I's Accession, 1603

Crime and Punishment – The Gunpowder Plot, 1605

In this course, Dr Clare Jackson (University of Cambridge) explores the Gunpowder Plot of 1605. We start by taking a look at the geopolitical and religious challenges that accompanied James I and VI's accession to the English throne. We'll then turn to explore the dilemmas and difficulties of being a Catholic in England at the turn of the 17th century. After this, we'll explore the plot itself - what did happen and crucially what did not happen. In the next two modules, we'll look at the aftermath of plot both domestically and internationally. In the final module, we'll explore the longer term impacts of the plot and the history of the annual commemoration.

James I's Accession, 1603

In this module, we take a look at the geopolitical and religious challenges that accompanied James I and VI's accession to the English throne in 1603. When James acceded to the English crown it created a multiple monarchy of England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland. This created a complex religious character to James's kingdom. While Catholics would have preferred the English crown to be in Catholic hands, James accession was not seen as a complete loss and many looked on expectantly.