1601. Essex plotted to seize the queen, and compel her to remove his enemies from power. He attempted to raise an insurrection in London, but failed, and was executed for high treason. Great complaints made in Parliament about monopolies. Poor Law Act passed: this act, with some modifications, remained in force till 1834.
1602. Submission of the earl of Tyrone.
In the course of this reign several extremely severe laws were passed against the Catholics, and some very intolerant ones against the Protestant Nonconformists. Commencement of the maritime greatness of England.
THE HOUSE OF STUART.
James I.
D. James was the son of Mary, Queen of Scots, and of Lord Darnley. Mary was the granddaughter of Margaret, daughter of Henry VII. B. at Edinburgh, 1566. M. Anne, daughter of Frederick II., of Denmark. Dd. at Theobalds, in Hertfordshire, Mar. 27, 1625. R. 22 years (1603 to 1625).
1603. Two plots (the Bye and Main) formed against the king, but soon abandoned. Sir Walter Raleigh, charged with being one of the conspirators in the Main plot (the alleged object of which was to raise Lady Arabella Stuart, the king’s cousin, to the throne), was convicted, and imprisoned in the Tower, where he remained for more than twelve years.
1604. The Puritans having petitioned for alterations in the ritual of the church, a conference was held between representatives of the Puritans, and of the conservative church party, before the king at Hampton Court, but very few concessions were granted to the petitioners.