Short courses

Summary

After the failure of Robert the Bruce’s male line in 1371, the Stewarts emerged as Scotland’s ascendant royal dynasty. As nine monarchs, they embraced the Renaissance; entered into regal union with France; endured the Reformation; and entered into regal union with England to rule all of Britain in 1603. However, their ill-starred and romantic story leaves behind many questions. Was James I truly a tyrant? Was Mary, Queen of Scots, the ‘Harlot of Rome’? Was James VI the ‘wisest fool in Christendom’?  

Join us on this course to examine these questions and more on the impact and legacy of the House of Stewart. 

Over a series of talks, our expert tutor will explain: 

• the key events shaping the politics, society, culture and economy of late medieval Scotland during 1371-1603 
• the key stories, archives, sources and first-hand accounts available.  
• the main historical debates concerning these times 

You will also have the chance to discuss and reflect on what you learn with other students and the tutor in seminars 

Choose this course if you want to learn: 

• more about the specific reigns of the different Stewart kings such as their economic expansion into the Baltic and their contribution to Renaissance art, science and literature. 
• Scotland’s social, political, religious. economic and territorial development during this time