Alexander Courtney
I'm an early modern historian. My research focuses on the life and kingship of James VI & I (1566-1625). I'm also co-editing the recently-discovered letters of Mary, Queen of Scots. See below for links to my publications and other media appearances.
James VI, Britannic Prince: King of Scots and Elizabeth’s Heir, 1566–1603
James VI & I: Kingship, Government and Religion
How three amateurs cracked a 445-year-old code to reveal Mary Queen of Scots’ secrets
Lucy Worsley Investigates - Series 2: 2. The Gunpowder Plot
Interview with Alexander Courtney on James VI/I - The Royal Studies Podcast
Court politics and the kingship of James VI & I, c.1615-c.1622
Live with Charlie Higson at HistFest 2024, Willy Willy Harry Stee...
King James and Royston
Interview for HistFest with Rebecca Rideal
Clip from BBC Two 'Elizabeth I's Secret Agents': The Gunpowder Plot letter
Academia.edu
'A gripping account ...'
'Based on deeply impressive research, this is a story that is told – and very, very vividly told – with flair, and it changes large parts of the long-established narrative ... a major contribution not only to Scottish and British History but to our understanding of the geopolitics of Europe in an age of turmoil.'
Professor John Morrill, University of Cambridge, on James VI, Britannic Prince
'Beautifully written, persuasively argued ...'
'... a splendid new account of King James VI’s life from his birth in 1566 down to his accession to the English throne in 1603 ... Alexander Courtney’s picture of James’s personality and Scottish kingship is entirely coherent and consistently original. Courtney draws on much new material that has previously been neglected by historians ... by far the most detailed and compelling treatment of James VI’s Scottish rule that has yet been published.'
Dr David L. Smith, University of Cambridge, on James VI, Britannic Prince