The Duke of Lennox, 1574-1624: A Jacobean Courtier's Life

Ludovic Stuart, Duke of Lennox, was a key courtier in the court of King James VI of Scotland from 1583 until his death in 1624. This biography provides a portrait of him as a shrewd politician, ambitious and sometimes ruthless, but also beloved by the royal family. It covers the politics and cultural life of the Stuart court in Scotland and England, highlighting his unparalleled importance in understanding the reign of King James.

Format: Hardback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 03 February 2022
Publisher: Edinburgh University Press

This is the first biography of Ludovic Stuart, Duke of Lennox, who served in the court of King James VI of Scotland from 1583 until his unexpected death in 1624. Lennox arrived in Scotland in November 1583, a 9-year-old boy from France and a cousin of the king. For the next 40 years, he served James faithfully and skilfully, becoming the quintessential courtier, James's confidant, adviser, and friend. Shrewd politician, ambitious, and sometimes ruthless, but also beloved by the royal family, Lennox carefully negotiated political and diplomatic minefields. He also participated in the arts as a patron and performer, sponsoring his acting company, attending drama performances, and performing in several court masques. Providing a portrait of this most important courtier, this book covers the politics and cultural life of the Stuart court in Scotland and England. It shows that it is essential to know about Lennox and his unparalleled importance in order to fully understand the reign of King James.

Ludovic Stuart, Duke of Lennox, was a prominent figure in the court of King James VI of Scotland from 1583 until his untimely death in 1624. Born in France in 1573, Lennox arrived in Scotland as a young boy and quickly established himself as a loyal and skilled servant to the king. Over the course of 40 years, he served James faithfully and diligently, becoming a trusted confidant, adviser, and friend.

Lennox was a shrewd politician who was ambitious and sometimes ruthless in his pursuit of power. He was known for his ability to navigate political and diplomatic minefields with skill and finesse, and he played a significant role in the politics of both Scotland and England during his time at court. Lennox was also a patron of the arts, sponsoring his own acting company and attending drama performances and court masques.

Despite his occasional ruthlessness, Lennox was beloved by the royal family, and he played a crucial role in the reign of King James VI. He was instrumental in the negotiations that led to the Treaty of Greenwich in 1604, which ended the Anglo-Scottish War and secured the throne for James's son, Charles I. Lennox also played a role in the establishment of the Church of Scotland, which was a significant event in Scottish history.

In addition to his political and artistic achievements, Lennox was also known for his personal life. He was married to Mary, Queen of Scots, and he was the father of several children, including the future King Charles II. Lennox's death in 1624 was a significant loss to the royal family and to Scotland, and his legacy continues to be celebrated to this day.

In conclusion, Ludovic Stuart, Duke of Lennox, was a remarkable figure in Scottish history who played a crucial role in the court of King James VI. He was a shrewd politician, ambitious, and sometimes ruthless, but also beloved by the royal family. Lennox's legacy is a testament to his skill and dedication to his king and to the arts. His contributions to Scottish and English politics, as well as his patronage of the arts, will continue to be remembered and celebrated for generations to come.

Weight: 526g
Dimension: 164 x 243 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781399500449