King James I was the first monarch of both England and Scotland, ruling from 1603 to 1625. He was born in 1567 and became King of Scotland as James VI at just one year old. His reign is notable for the unification of the two crowns and the commissioning of the King James Version of the Bible, which remains influential today. James I was known for his belief in the divine right of kings, which asserted that monarchs were chosen by God. His rule faced challenges, including political conflicts and the Gunpowder Plot of 1605, an attempt to assassinate him and blow up Parliament.