Scotlands History

The Stuart Dynasty

The Stuart dynasty began with Robert II taking the throne as King of Scots in 1371, and ended with the death of Anne of Great Britain in 1714.

In total, 15 monarchs ruled Scotland over 343 years. Five of these also ruled England, while Anne of Great Britain was the last Queen of Scots, the last Queen of England and the first monarch of the United Kingdom of Great Britain.

Stuart kings and queens with dates that they ruled

Robert II of Scotland - 22 February 1371 to 19 April 1390

Robert III of Scotland - 19 April 1390 to 4 April 1406

James I of Scotland - 4 April 1406 to 21 February 1437

James II of Scotland - 21 February 1437 to 3 August 1460

James III - 3 August 1460 to 11 June 1488

James IV - 11 June 1488 to 9 September 1513

James V - 9 September 1513 to 14 December 1542

Mary Queen of Scots - 14 December 1542 to 24 July 1567

James VI of Scotland and I of England and Ireland - 24 July 1567 to 27 March 1625

Charles I - 27 March 1625 to 30 January 1649

Charles II - 30 January 1649 to 6 February 1685

James VII of Scotland and II of England and Ireland - 6 February 1685 to 13 February 1689

Mary II - 13 February 1689 to 28 December 1694

Anne of Great Britain and Ireland - 8 March 1702 to 1 May 1707

  • King James IV and Margaret Tudor at Historic Scotland ‘Party at the Palace’ event, Linlithgow Palace, 2009.

Click on the image to view a larger version.

  • Logo and image for the James I King of Scots 1406-37 section of the BBC Scotland's History website.
    BBC Scotland's History - James I King of Scots 1406-37
    James I's turbulent life started as it meant to go on, with capture, murder and legitimacy queries. Discover the start of the dynasty when James crushed the Albany Stewarts in revenge and started Scotland's reform.
  • Logo and image for the James II King of Scots 1437-60 section of the BBC Scotland's History website.
    BBC Scotland's History - James II King of Scots 1437-60
    James II was known for his fiery temperament and struggle to gain control of Scotland from the powerful clans. Find out why this frequently led to slaughter with BBC History.
  • Logo and image for the James III King of Scots 1460-88 section of the BBC Scotland's History website.
    BBC Scotland's History - James III King of Scots 1460-88
    James III began his reign as a minor and was an unpopular king. He was killed by a rebel force led by his own son. Learn how he annoyed the Scottish nobility and people, ultimately leading to his downfall, from this BBC History article.
  • Logo and image for The Stewarts section of the BBC Scotland's History website.
    BBC Scotland's History - The Stewarts
    War, policy and marriage were de rigueur for the Stewart reign. Discover Scottish history throughout the infamous dynasty with BBC video clips and an associated article.
  • Logo and image for The Stewarts section of The British Monarchy website.
    The British Monarchy - The Stewarts
    Under the Stewart dynasty, Scotland moved forward to become a modern and prosperous nation. Learn more about the many Stewart kings with this short British Monarchy article.