James VI of Scotland was born on June 19, 1566, and became king at just 13 months old after the abdication of his mother, Mary, Queen of Scots. His reign began in 1567 and lasted until 1625, making him one of the longest-serving monarchs in Scottish history. He was known for his efforts to unite Scotland and England, as well as for his patronage of the arts and literature. In 1603, James VI ascended to the English throne as James I after the death of Queen Elizabeth I, marking the beginning of the Stuart dynasty in England. His rule is noted for the commissioning of the King James Version of the Bible, which remains influential today. James's reign also faced challenges, including political conflicts and the Gunpowder Plot of 1605.