James I wasn’t weak, stupid, or slobbering — history got lazy

James I has gone down in history as a disappointment, a fool, a drunken slob — a king wedged awkwardly between Elizabeth I and Charles I and remembered largely for what others did to him. But what if almost everything you think you know about James I is wrong?

Historian and author Gareth Russell returns for a record-breaking fifth appearance to dismantle the enduring caricature of James I of England and VI of Scotland. From supposed physical deformities and “slobbering” table manners to accusations of cowardice, weakness, and religious extremism, Gareth takes aim at centuries of lazy myth-making and historical snobbery.

Drawing directly on contemporary sources, Gareth explains why the image of James as a grotesque failure tells us far more about xenophobia, propaganda, and bad history than it does about the man himself.

This episode explores:

Why James I became the “unpopular in-between king” of British history
How English and Scottish prejudice shaped his posthumous reputation
The truth behind claims of physical deformity and drunken incompetence
James’s surprisingly effective rule in Scotland — and why people wept when he left
His deep commitment to peace and how he kept Britain out of the Thirty Years’ War
The complex reality of his religious views, Catholic toleration, and hatred of Puritan extremism
His dangerous but evolving obsession with witchcraft and the long shadow of Daemonologie
How and why James authorised the King James Bible — and how involved he really was
Why his failure to unite England and Scotland politically haunted his reign

This is not an exercise in rehabilitation or hero-worship. As Gareth makes clear, James I was deeply flawed — but he was also intelligent, scholarly, peace-driven, and far more effective than history likes to admit.

If you’ve ever repeated the myths, laughed at the caricature, or dismissed James I outright — this episode is your invitation to rage at bad history and demand better.

Live Appearance Announcement

📍 Gareth Russell is speaking at the Katharine of Aragon Festival

🗓 31 January & 1 February

🎟 In-person tickets and digital passes available here:

https://peterborough-cathedral.org.uk/about/history/katharine-of-aragon/kofa_26/

Gareth’s festival talk explores the powerful and emotionally complex relationship between James I and his mother, Mary Queen of Scots, whose remains were once held at Peterborough Cathedral.

About the Guest: Gareth Russell

Gareth Russell is a historian, broadcaster, and bestselling author specialising in early modern Britain and Europe.

Books:

Queen James: The Life and Loves of James I https://uk.bookshop.org/a/10120/9780008660857
The Palace: 500 Years of History at Hampton Court https://uk.bookshop.org/a/10120/9780008437015

Podcast:

Single Malt History with Gareth Russell: https://open.spotify.com/show/1WESbOrpImFKKF55tfYYYj

Follow Gareth Russell:

Website: https://www.garethrussell.co.uk
X / Twitter: @garethrussell1

About History Rage

History Rage is the podcast where professional historians come armed with evidence — and fury — to tear down historical myths, misinformation, and lazy storytelling.

Hosted by Paul Bavill, History Rage challenges everything you think you know about the past and demands better standards from popular history.

Follow History Rage:

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If you care about truth, nuance, and calling nonsense what it is — this one’s for you.

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