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Wednesday 8 February 2012

Political Egos

Scotland is planning on holding a referendum in 2014 on the issue of independence from the United Kingdom. Battle lines are being drawn. Not much changes really. Back in the 17th century when Elizabeth I nephew James came to throne as King James I of England, he was already King James VI of Scotland, and with this kingly experience behind him, he wasted no time in trying to throw his weight around in the English parliament, as he had done in the Scottish parliament.

His belief and obsession with the "divine right of Kings" convinced him that he could do what he wanted and tell parliament what they were to do as well. While the Scots had pretty much let him away with this, it did not go down well in England. His constant demands for more tax money and his autocratic style created a none too friendly relationship between court and parliament. Fed up with politicians not bending to his will James dissolved parliament on 8 February 1622.

So now 390 years later to the day, you do wonder if the current Queen hasn't thought about doing a similar thing many times in her already long reign ... oh that she had the power!!!

15 comments:

Angie said...

"Och aye, ull dae it thi noo"

*Pearls on a string** Dorthe said...

Following your blog.
I really appreciate your fine post, where I learn more from both London and the whole kingdom.
THANKS for the many fine ideas and information.

Have a nice day!

:-) Dorthe

PS.(google translation)

Adullamite said...

Tsk! English history is so badly taught. James was a nice man who only improved the nation which acted like the 'Daily Mail' towards him. Tsk!

IleDuLevant said...

Here's my James I/James VI London-related fact. The world's oldest golf club is not in Scotland but in London, the Royal Blackheath Golf Club, founded in 1608. It was established when the king's coterie of Scottish noblemen and other such retinue descended on London and developed a craving for somewhere to play their beloved pastime from the auld country. http://www.royalblackheath.com/our_history/

Unknown said...

This is a beautiful shot! And I love the history you have presented - and the flurry of discourse you have inspired!

Sharon said...

You have a wonderful photo today!

Luis Gomez said...

Great post Mo.

PhotoPuddle said...

Lovely photo.

imajoebob said...

I believe Lizzie, technically, still has the power to do this. But the political cost would probably end with a bloodless coup and an end to the monarchy. But times change; a tough economy or social upheaval could make it a popular action.

Karine said...

We have an independence movement here in the Canadian province Quebec and I hate it. A referendum was held in Quebec on the question of separating from Canada and it failed. They tried again in 1993 and it failed again, thank Heavens! It makes a lot of us English-speaking liberal Quebecers (we refer to ourselves as French CANADIANS) very nervous that the more tenacious independence seeking politicians just won't take 'no' for an answer and leave us in Canada where clearly the majority of people in Quebec want to be!

imajoebob said...

@Karina - if you're going to live in Québec you need to read Pierre Vallieres, especially his book "White [redacted] In America." You'll better understand the independence movement not only of the Qéebecois, but also the Scots (and the Irish). You'll also understand the historical and social concept of "standing on the shoulders of our ancestors."

Jane Hards Photography said...

Having lived in both Scotland, England, now the Isle of man and originally from Birmingham I find your post fascinating. Can vouch for the differing Political overviews. As you know mo too, my other half lives and breathes Politics of any kind, due to his way of earning a living, by cartooning the crazy mixed up world of Politics. Don't even get me started on this strange island I live on. Great post mo.

Witness said...

so nice!

Caroline said...

and I always thought British politics were rather boring! Mind you compared to African politics, everything is rather boring...

jabblog said...

I just wonder when we're going to get an English parliament . . .

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