Betwixt The Sheets: The History of Sex, Scandal & Society
Episode: The Murderous Affairs of King James
Host: Kate Lister
Guest: Jane Marie Russell
Release Date: May 27, 2025
In this captivating episode of Betwixt The Sheets: The History of Sex, Scandal & Society, host Kate Lister delves deep into the tumultuous and scandalous life of King James VI of Scotland (later James I of England). Joined by historian and author Jane Marie Russell, who recently published a biography titled Queen James: The Life and Loves of Britain's First King, the duo explores King James's complex personal relationships, political maneuvers, and the infamous murder of the Earl of Murray.
Introduction to King James and Jane Marie Russell
Kate Lister introduces Jane Marie Russell, the author of Queen James, highlighting her extensive research on King James's life and his relationships with his male favorites. Jane shares her inspiration for the book, explaining how conversations with fellow historians and previous research led her to focus on the personal aspects of King James's reign, particularly his bisexuality and favoritism towards men.
[06:23] Jane Marie: “It was a comment from a friend and the previous book. So that's how I ended up stalking James for two years.”
King James's Sexuality and Relationships
The discussion delves into King James's sexuality, addressing historical speculation about his bisexuality. Jane Marie presents evidence from letters and personal documents that suggest James had romantic and possibly sexual relationships with men, particularly his favorites like the Duke of Buckingham and Lord Huntly.
[08:29] Jane Marie: “If I had to put my money on a kind of Kinsey scale bet with James, I would say bisexual, with an overwhelming preference for his own gender.”
Jane Marie emphasizes that James's passions were predominantly towards men, though he was capable of relationships with women, including his wife, Anna of Denmark. However, unlike many of his contemporaries, James did not maintain mistresses, with the exception of a brief liaison with Anne Murray.
[11:01] Jane Marie: “No, there's one really brief one... Apart from that, no, no one else.”
The Murder of the Earl of Murray
A significant portion of the episode focuses on the murder of the Earl of Murray, a close favorite of King James. Jane Marie sets the scene in February 1592, detailing the intricate relationships between key figures:
- Earl of Murray: Known as the "Bonnie Earl of Murray," he was considered the most handsome man in Scottish aristocracy.
- Earl of Huntly: The second most handsome, a skilled warrior and another of James's favorites.
- Lord Bothwell: An ambitious and powerful cousin accused of witchcraft and plotting against James.
James's suspicion that Murray harbored Lord Bothwell leads to escalating tensions and paranoia. Murray's growing influence and rumored favoritism towards Bothwell place him in a precarious position within Scottish politics.
[15:30] Jane Marie: “It's a murder mystery. And who is he and how is he involved in James.”
As the witch trials continue to cast a dark shadow over Scotland, James grapples with fears of rebellion fueled by allegations of necromancy and witchcraft. The tension culminates in Murray visiting his mother’s castle, Donnybrisker, where Huntly's men confront him. The situation spirals out of control, leading to a fiery confrontation.
The Climactic Duel and Aftermath
The confrontation at Donnybrisker quickly escalates, resulting in a dramatic duel between Murray and Huntly. Their mano a mano combat is both violent and personal, showcasing the raw emotions and loyalties at play.
[39:10] Kate Lister: “It's normally like, I'll get these men to fight these men that you've got and we'll just sit here and...But like they're actually fighting one another.”
The duel ends with Murray's death, leaving behind a "beautiful corpse" and sparking outrage and scandal. Lady Dune, Murray's mother, becomes the face of the scandal, mourning her son's death and demanding justice.
[40:07] Jane Marie: “Lord Murray exits with what I think might be my favorite parting line in history... 'You've spoiled a face far fairer than your own.'”
The murder fuels rumors and a famous Scottish ballad, The Bonny Earl of Moray, which suggests that King James ordered Huntly to kill Murray out of jealousy—a narrative that historical evidence does not fully support.
Political Ramifications and Witch Trials
The murder of the Earl of Murray occurs against the backdrop of the North Berwick Witch Trials, where King James's skepticism is eventually overturned by coerced confessions and ecclesiastical pressure. The political landscape is fraught with suspicion, fear, and shifting loyalties among Scotland’s powerful clans.
[17:03] Kate Lister: “Well, that's a plot twist.”
Jane Marie explains how the witch trials influenced James's paranoia, leading him to suspect his favorites of witchcraft and treason, further destabilizing his reign.
[20:02] Jane Marie: “It's a season of terrible weather...I'm cold.”
Legacy of the Scandal
In the closing segments, the hosts discuss the lasting impact of the Murray murder on King James's reputation. Jane Marie argues that the scandal, immortalized by the ballad, left a permanent stain on James's legacy, painting him as a king capable of extreme favoritism and double-dealing.
[55:41] Jane Marie: “It does leave a stain on James reputation...a permanent question mark over James.”
The episode concludes with reflections on how historical scandals can shape the perception of leaders long after their reigns, drawing parallels to modern-day political scandals.
Conclusion
This episode of Betwixt The Sheets offers a riveting exploration of King James's personal life and the political intrigues that defined his reign. Through Jane Marie Russell’s detailed research and engaging narrative, listeners gain a nuanced understanding of how personal relationships and scandals can influence historical events and legacies.
For those intrigued by the blend of history, scandal, and intimate personal stories, this episode provides a compelling look into the enigmatic life of King James VI/I.
Notable Quotes:
- Kate Lister [08:51]: “If you accept that there's still a whole load of other favourites that he had. You can't say, like, they were all jokes.”
- Jane Marie [09:35]: “There's one where Buckingham talk about essentially James giving him a handjob. There's just no way to explain that.”
- Kate Lister [20:14]: “Right, Satanic. That's it.”
Further Information:
- Book Mentioned: Queen James: The Life and Loves of Britain's First King by Jane Marie Russell.
- Upcoming Episodes: Topics include The Truth behind the Minus Tour and How to Give Birth Like a Medieval Person with guest Eleanor Yarniger.
Subscribe and Listen:
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