The Stuart Dynasty

The Stuart Dynasty was a royal family that ruled England, Scotland, and Ireland from the early 17th century to the late 18th century. It began with James I, who united the crowns of England and Scotland in 1603. The dynasty witnessed significant events such as the English Civil War, leading to the temporary overthrow of monarchy under Oliver Cromwell. The Restoration in 1660 restored Charles II to the throne. The dynasty ended with Queen Anne in 1714, after which the throne passed to the Hanoverian family. The Stuarts are noted for their tumultuous reigns and the development of constitutional monarchy.