Thesis

James VII and the conduct of Scottish politics c.1679 to c.1686

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Awarding institution
  • University of Strathclyde
Date of award
  • 2003
Thesis identifier
  • T10970
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Abstract
  • This thesis provides a detailed examination of the impact of James VII, both as Duke of York and King, on Scottish politics between c. 1679 and c. 1686. This start date has been chosen because, as a result of the Exclusion Crisis in England, Charles II sent his brother and heir, James, Duke of York, to Scotland in November 1679. The thesis ends with a thorough investigation of the final session of James VII's Scottish Parliament, in which his notion of toleration for Roman Catholics was rejected as unpalatable. Between c. 1679 and c. 1686, James had a managerial role over the government of Scotland, not least of all as a result of his prolonged residence in Edinburgh which lasted, with the exception of a seven month period back in England, from November 1679 until March 1682. In the subsequent years James remained closely involved with the government of Scotland largely as a result of the political reshuffle he oversaw immediately prior to his final departure. The themes examined in this thesis include the role of James in relation to a number of significant Scottish political concerns. These include the militia and Highland policies, as well as the enforcement of the 1681 Test Act and pacification of disorder, particularly from the remnant Covenanters. The 1681 Parliament, in which James was High Commissioner, is analysed in detail, as are the1685 and 1686 sessions of the Parliament James held as King. The threat posed by the 1685 Argyll rebellion is also investigated, as is the political factionalism of the period. A substantial amount of primary and secondary sources have been used during the research for this thesis. The primary material includes both printed and manuscript sources, much of which has been previously neglected. This includes contemporary pamphlet literature and correspondence, as well as Supplementary Parliamentary Papers.
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DOI
EThOS ID
  • uk.bl.ethos.488548
Date Created
  • 2003
Former identifier
  • 684499

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