The Rise of the Favourites

Abstract

In his early years in England, James promoted court favourites such as the Scot Sir James Hay and the Englishman Sir Philip Herbert, whom he created earl of Montgomery. These men were boon companions rather than sexual intimates and they were of little political importance. The situation changed in 1607 when a young, blond Scot named Robert Carr (or Ker) was injured competing in a court tournament. James visited him during his recovery and gradually Carr became the new favourite, far closer to the king than his predecessors. Among those who were drawn to the rising star was the ambitious and able Englishman Sir Thomas Overbury, who urged Carr to aim at power, not just prominence at court. Late in 1610 Carr was involved in some dubious manoeuvres in Parliament and was apparently responsible for circulating the story that the Commons were calling for all Scots to be sent home (see p. 79).