From bitter enemies to a single, united nation

Published on Thursday 11 January 2007 12:01

THE union of the two nations in 1707 was the culmination of a process begun in 1603, when James VI of Scotland became James I of England. Once the countries shared a monarch, it might have seemed inescapable that they would become one country. However, the process was far from smooth or inevitable.

1603: On the death of the English queen, Elizabeth I, James VI of Scotland, her closest heir, becomes king of England as well.

1685: James, Duke of York, becomes king of both countries.

1688: James' attempts to strengthen Catholicism in both countries led to parliament asking William of Orange, who is married to James' sister Mary, for help against him.

1689: The crowns of both countries are offered to William and Mary.

1698: The Scots attempt to muscle in on trade with the colonies. The scheme to create a colony in Panama is a disaster, costing nearly 2000 lives and more than 200,000. William's failure to intervene on behalf of the Scots causes much bitterness north of the Border.

1701: The English Act of Settlement is passed, declaring that on the death of Anne, Mary's sister, the English throne will go to the Hanover line.

1702: Anne takes both thrones.

1704: The Scots pass the Act of Security, declaring Anne's successor would not be acceptable north of the Border unless Scottish freedom of religion, trade and government was guaranteed.

1705: The English pass the Aliens Act, declaring that unless Scots agree to the same sovereign their main exports will be barred in England.

1706: Despite growing hostility, the Scots agree to the Queen appointing commissioners to begin negotiations on union..

1707: The Treaty is passed by the Scottish Parliament on January 16. The English Parliament also agrees to the Treaty of Union and it becomes law on May 1. The Act lays down that there will be one parliament and that on the death of Anne, the British crown will pass to the Hanover line.