On 24 March 1603, the death of Elizabeth I at Richmond Palace brought the Tudor dynasty to a definitive end. Having reigned for forty-four years, the Queen died unmarried and without issue, leaving no direct heir to the English throne. Her passing marked the conclusion of a transformative era in British history, during which England had established itself as a major European power and navigated significant religious and political shifts.

The transition of power was remarkably smooth, avoiding the civil unrest that many had feared would follow the Queen's death. In accordance with the succession plans orchestrated by her advisors, the crown passed to James VI of Scotland, who was the great-grandson of Henry VII. This succession effectively united the crowns of England and Scotland under the House of Stuart, fundamentally altering the political landscape of the British Isles.

The accession of James I, as he became known in England, initiated a new chapter in the nation's history. Key aspects of this transition included:

• The peaceful transfer of the English throne to the Scottish monarch.
• The conclusion of the 118-year Tudor period.
• The establishment of a personal union between the kingdoms of England and Scotland.
• The beginning of the Stuart era, which would define the seventeenth century.

By securing a stable succession, the English political establishment ensured that the country did not descend into a succession crisis or a renewed war of the roses. The shift from the Tudor to the Stuart line represented a significant turning point, setting the stage for the political and social developments that would characterise the coming century.