Who was James Francis Edward Stuart? Everything You Need to Know

Quick Facts

British Celebrities Born In June

Nick Name: Old Pretender

Also Known As: Old Pretender

Died At Age: 77

Family:

Spouse/Ex-: Maria Clementina Sobieska (m. 1719)

father: James II - VII

mother: Mary of Modena

siblings: Louisa Maria

children: Charles Edward Stuart, Henry Benedict Stuart

Born Country: England

Family Members Royal Family Members

Died on: January 1, 1766

place of death: Rome, Italy

City: London, England

Cause of Death: Illness

Recommended For You

1

What was James Francis Edward Stuart's claim to the English throne?

James Francis Edward Stuart claimed to be the rightful heir to the English throne based on his Catholic lineage.
2

Why was James Francis Edward Stuart known as the "Old Pretender?"

James Francis Edward Stuart was known as the "Old Pretender" because he claimed the English throne but was never able to successfully overthrow the reigning monarch.
3

What impact did James Francis Edward Stuart's claim to the throne have on the political landscape of England?

James Francis Edward Stuart's claim to the throne led to political instability and conflict in England, particularly during the Jacobite uprisings.
4

How did James Francis Edward Stuart's Catholic faith influence his claim to the throne?

James Francis Edward Stuart's Catholic faith was a major factor in his claim to the throne, as it conflicted with the Protestant succession established in England.
5

What events led to the end of James Francis Edward Stuart's attempts to claim the English throne?

James Francis Edward Stuart's attempts to claim the English throne ultimately failed due to lack of support and military defeat in the Jacobite uprisings, leading to the end of his hopes for a Stuart restoration.

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Childhood & Early Life

James was born on June 10, 1688, to King James II of England and Ireland and VII of Scotland and his second wife, Mary of Modena, who were Catholics. Hence, he was raised according to staunch Catholic beliefs.

There were widespread rumors about his birth. It was believed that he was stealthily moved into the birth chamber in a warming pan, with an intention to have a Catholic heir to the throne.

Fearing that James, a Catholic, was next in line, the Protestant majority, under the leadership of Princess Mary and Prince William of George, revolted and deposed James II and VII, which witnessed the culmination of the Glorious Revolution.

However, Mary of Modena smuggled infant James to France by disguising herself.

He grew up at the ‘Château de Saint-Germain-en-Laye,’ about 19 km from Paris, France. This palace was handed over to his father by King Louis XIV when he was in exile.

He had a sister named Louisa Maria.

He was trained in warfare by Richard Hamilton and Dominic Sheldon, two experienced campaigners from his father's Irish army.

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Struggles as a Pretender

In 1701, after James's father died, King Louis XIV of France, the Papal States, Spain, and Modena regarded James as the rightful successor to the thrones of England, Ireland, and Scotland and refused to accept William III, Mary II, or Anne as the lawful rulers.

Due to his claim to the throne, the English law confiscated his titles and attainted him for treason on March 2, 1702.

James attempted invasion by trying to arrive at the Firth of Forth on March 23, 1708. However, this attempt was foiled by the fleet of Admiral Sir George Byng.

He was offered support for his claim to the throne several times, provided he became a Protestant, but he refused and remained faithful to Catholicism.

As a result of the ‘Treaty of Utrecht,’ he was exiled to the Duchy of Lorraine.

The Fifteen Rebellion, an uprising of Jacobites in support of James's claim to the throne, failed in 1715. Two months after losing the Battle of Sheriffmuir, he retreated and set up court at the ‘Scone Palace.’

In February 1716, he abandoned the palace as the government troops were on the verge of capturing him. Following this, his allies turned against him.

He sought refuge in France, only to be refused by the new ruler of France.

The Papal States provided shelter to him and stayed in various regions, such as the ‘Palazzo del Re’ in Rome, Italy.

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The Jacobite rising of 1719, or “the Nineteen,” with Spanish backing to restore James to the throne was defeated at the Battle of Glen Shiel

In 1722, the Atterbury Plot was exposed, and the plan to claim the throne failed.

His son, Charles Stuart, led the 1745 Jacobite rising but was defeated at the Battle of Culloden in April 1746.

In the later years, his relationship with Charles strained. Further, James's influence in appointing Henry, his second son, as a cardinal was the final nail in the coffin of their relationship.

He lived the life of a pretender for a little over 64 years, from 1701 to 1766, until his death.

After his death, the reigning Pope declined to support Charles's claim to the throne. Over time, he accepted the House of Hanover as the rightful rulers of Britain and Ireland.

Family, Personal Life, & Death

James's engagement to his cousin, Benedetta d'Este, was broken by her father for political reasons.

James married Maria Clementia Sobieska on September 3, 1719.

They had two sons, Charles Edward Stuart and Henry Benedict Stuart.

He suffered from bouts of depression.

He died on January 1, 1766, and was buried in the crypt of ‘St. Peter's Basilica,’ currently in Vatican City.

Facts About James Francis Edward Stuart

James Francis Edward Stuart, known as the "Old Pretender," had a keen interest in the arts and was a talented musician, particularly skilled at playing the harpsichord.

Despite being a claimant to the British throne, James Francis Edward Stuart was known for his humility and kindness towards his supporters and followers.

He had a deep love for Scotland and its culture, often immersing himself in traditional Scottish music, poetry, and storytelling.

James Francis Edward Stuart was a devout Catholic and was known for his piety and dedication to his faith.

He was a patron of the arts and supported various artists and musicians during his time in exile, fostering a vibrant cultural community around him.

James Francis Edward Stuart Biography

You wanted to know

What was James Francis Edward Stuart's claim to the English throne?

Why was James Francis Edward Stuart known as the "Old Pretender?"

What impact did James Francis Edward Stuart's claim to the throne have on the political landscape of England?

How did James Francis Edward Stuart's Catholic faith influence his claim to the throne?

What events led to the end of James Francis Edward Stuart's attempts to claim the English throne?