The House of Stuart was a royal dynasty that ruled Scotland and England from the late 15th century until the early 18th century. It began with Mary, Queen of Scots and included notable monarchs like James I, who was the first to unite the crowns of England and Scotland in 1603. The dynasty is known for its complex political struggles, including conflicts with Parliament and the English Civil War. The Stuart line faced challenges, including the Glorious Revolution of 1688, which led to the ousting of James II and the establishment of a constitutional monarchy. The dynasty officially ended with the death of Queen Anne in 1714, leading to the rise of the House of Hanover.