One Talk - Part of The Stuart History Festival - 5-6 July 2025

Talk Title: “Elizabeth was king, now James is queen” : The Life & Loves of James VI & I (3pm-4pm)

Speaker

Gareth Russell

Talk Synopsis

2025 marks the 400th anniversary of the death of King James I, whose father, Henry Stuart, Lord Darnley, was mysteriously murdered in 1567, and mother, Mary, Queen of Scots, was beheaded two decades later. James's life encompassed kidnapping, witchcraft trials, poison, espionage, brothels and passionate love affairs, most famously with the Duke of Buckingham. Join acclaimed historian, Gareth Russell, as he delves into the life and loves of this Stuart king.'

Speaker Biography

Gareth Russell is an historian and broadcaster. Educated at St Peter’s College, Oxford, and Queen’s University, Belfast, he specialises in European and royal history. He is the author of "Young and Damned and Fair," "The Ship of Dreams" (A Daily Telegraph Best History Book, 2019) and "Do Let's Have Another Drink" (A Times Book of the Year, 2022). His most recent book is a biography of James VI & I, 'Queen James' (a contemporary nickname for James). It will be published in Canada and the United States as 'The Six Loves of James I'. He is the host of the podcast Single Malt History and divides his time between Belfast and London.

Please note - unfortunately tickets are non-refundable