The Sexuality of James the I and VI of England and Scotland: The Debate over the Nature of His Relationships with His Favorites
Faculty Mentor
Ann Le Barr
Presentation Type
Oral Presentation
Start Date
5-7-2024 12:50 PM
End Date
5-7-2024 1:10 PM
Location
PAT 306
Primary Discipline of Presentation
History
Abstract
Since the repeal of the 1533 Buggery Act in 1967, sexual relationships between men in the United Kingdom have been legal. However, historical records indicate that such relationships existed long before then, albeit in secrecy due to societal stigma. One particularly notable case within the British monarchy is that of James VI of Scotland and I of England and Scotland. Despite James' listing of sodomy as a "horrible crime" in his Basilikón Dōron, historians have debated his sexuality, with some suggesting he was homosexual or bisexual based on contemporary sources, including letters between James and his male lovers.
This essay delves into the historical narrative surrounding James' relationships, challenging previous interpretations that either ignored or dismissed the depth of his connections with his male favorites. By examining James' personality, contemporaneous accounts, and writings, this study presents a reevaluation of his romantic and sexual inclinations.
Furthermore, the essay explores James' reign as a monarch, highlighting his intellectual pursuits, lavish court expenditures, and pacifist foreign policy. It analyzes James' unique approach to governance and his patronage of literature and the arts, shedding light on his legacy as a different kind of king.
Drawing upon a range of primary sources and recent discoveries, including a secret passageway between James' and his favorite George Villiers' rooms, this essay provides evidence to support the notion that James likely engaged in sexual relationships with his male companions.
Recommended Citation
Olson, Hayley, "The Sexuality of James the I and VI of England and Scotland: The Debate over the Nature of His Relationships with His Favorites" (2024). 2024 Symposium. 10.
https://dc.ewu.edu/srcw_2024/op_2024/o2_2024/10
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 International License.
Original research paper submitted for HI-603 portfolio
The Sexuality of James the I and VI of England and Scotland: The Debate over the Nature of His Relationships with His Favorites
PAT 306
Since the repeal of the 1533 Buggery Act in 1967, sexual relationships between men in the United Kingdom have been legal. However, historical records indicate that such relationships existed long before then, albeit in secrecy due to societal stigma. One particularly notable case within the British monarchy is that of James VI of Scotland and I of England and Scotland. Despite James' listing of sodomy as a "horrible crime" in his Basilikón Dōron, historians have debated his sexuality, with some suggesting he was homosexual or bisexual based on contemporary sources, including letters between James and his male lovers.
This essay delves into the historical narrative surrounding James' relationships, challenging previous interpretations that either ignored or dismissed the depth of his connections with his male favorites. By examining James' personality, contemporaneous accounts, and writings, this study presents a reevaluation of his romantic and sexual inclinations.
Furthermore, the essay explores James' reign as a monarch, highlighting his intellectual pursuits, lavish court expenditures, and pacifist foreign policy. It analyzes James' unique approach to governance and his patronage of literature and the arts, shedding light on his legacy as a different kind of king.
Drawing upon a range of primary sources and recent discoveries, including a secret passageway between James' and his favorite George Villiers' rooms, this essay provides evidence to support the notion that James likely engaged in sexual relationships with his male companions.
