James Francis Edward Stewart Biography

Birth of James Francis Edward, eldest son of James II of England and his Roman Catholic second wife, Mary of Modena

Death of James II

If James had abjured his Catholicism he would have been James III in England

Mary II or Queen Anne as legitimate sovereigns. Louis XIV recognises James France's Edward as James III of England and VIII of Scotland

On his fathers death in 1701 James declared himself King as King James III of England and VIII of Scotland and was recognised as such by France Spain the Papal States and Modena these states refuse to recognise William III

The English Parliament attaints James Francis Edward Stewart for treason.

James loses his English titles under the parliamentary attainder.

As a result of his claiming his fathers lost thrones, James is attainted for treason in London and his titles are forfeited under English law

As a result of his claiming his fathers lost thrones, James is attainted for treason in London and his titles are forfeited under English law

Makes an unsuccessful attempt to land in Scotland, the fleet of Admiral Sir George Byng intercepted his French ships, and in spite of James tearful pleas, the French admiral refused to let him go ashore, choosing to retreat rather than risk a naval battle

French recognition of the Protestant succession weakens his claim.

James refuses to renounce Catholicism and remains excluded from the British crown.

Under the Treaty of Utrecht Louis XIV recognises the Protestant succession.

French recognition of the Protestant succession weakens his claim.

James refuses to renounce Catholicism and remains excluded from the British crown.

Under the Treaty of Utrecht Louis XIV recognises the Protestant succession.

Anne dies while James is at Commercy

Anne dies & so does her successor Electress Sophia

James leaves for Lorraine

The Rebellion of "the 15", Jacobite armies reach as far south as Lancashire

Scottish Jacobites started "The Fifteen" Jacobite rising in Scotland, aimed at putting "James III and VIII" on the throne

Departs from Dunkirk to lead the Jacobites in Scotland

Lands near Peterhead to rally Jacobite support after defeat at Sheriffmuir

James Edward is forced to return to France

Disappointed by the strength of support James fails to establish himself as a credible leader he soon fell ill with fever, his illness made more severe by the icy Scottish winter & instead of going through with plans for a coronation at Scone, he returns to France, sailing from Montrose

The Act of Pardon is passed in Britain as Scotland is considered pacified

The Triple Alliance forces James Edward Stuart to leave France

The "Declaration of King James" is signed by James Francis Edward Stuart to be published in the event of a successful French landing, James also signed a separate Declaration for Scotland, denouncing the "pretended union"