James VII and II and the Revolution of 1688-9

James VII and II was one of Britain’s most disastrous rulers. He inherited a strong throne, yet in less than four years his policies (especially those in favour of Catholics) brought his reign to an end. This course will examine, through a range of extracts from primary sources, James’s character and policies as King, the nature of his downfall and the Revolution Settlement that followed it, the impact of these events on England, Scotland and Ireland.