The date is February 1610. James is bankrupt and Parliament is proposing a scheme called the Great Contract to curb his spending. An accountant from the Treasury comes to do an audit.

The Great Contract was a real concept. All the amounts mentioned are accurate. The Bates' case is true as is the predicted debt levels which came true! James was indeed fond of hunting and did have a stake in the Bear Garden. All the animals mentioned, he really did own including the flying squirrel. He really did promise to return to Scotland every three years but never stuck to it. He really did put the two flags together to create the beginnings of our Union Jack.

The reference to Big Boys Monthly is a not so subtle reference to the fact that it's likely he was gay. He did spend a lot on translation though! As well as writing those books mentioned. He did knight and give patronage to far too many people such as Robert Carr, one of his ahem, favourites.  The gold table set with diamonds and his face is real.

Sir Walter Raleigh was indeed in prison and obsessed with writing poetry. Lord Treasurer Dorset really did drop dead at a privy council meeting. And the saying about bankrupting Spain is also true. The Earl of Suffolk really did build his house with money he stole from James via the Treasury. Tut tut.

If you want to find out more about James, check out the sources and places below:

James I: Scotland's King of England - John Matusiak

Penguin Monarchs Series: James I - Thomas Cogswell

The Cradle King: A Life of James VI & I - Alan Stewart

The King's Assassin: The Fatal Affair of George Villiers & James I - Benjamin Woolley