James I of England, born in 1567, was the first monarch to rule both England and Scotland, uniting the two crowns in 1603. He was the son of Mary, Queen of Scots and became king after the death of Elizabeth I. His reign is noted for the establishment of the Stuart dynasty and the promotion of the King James Version of the Bible. James I faced challenges such as political conflicts and religious tensions, including the Gunpowder Plot of 1605, which aimed to assassinate him. He was known for his belief in the divine right of kings, asserting that monarchs were chosen by God to rule.