Act of Union 1707
The Acts of Union, passed by the English and Scottish Parliaments in 1707, led to the creation of a united kingdom to be called “Great Britain” on 1 May of that year. The UK Parliament met for the first time in October 1707.
Here we look at the relationship between the two independent kingdoms of England and Scotland in the 16th and 17th centuries. We explore the critical period leading up to the passing of Acts of Union by both parliaments what happened afterwards, and the development of a British identity.
In March 1625 James VI and I died and was succeeded by his son Charles I.
From the Act of Union to the Scotland Act, the United Kingdom in the twenty-first century.
On 14 May 1660 Charles II was formally restored to his kingdoms and proclaimed King of Great Britain and Ireland.
Take your Act of Union research further with additional material and parliamentary sources
The idea of a union between England and Scotland was aired in February and March 1689 during the deliberations of the Convention Parliament in Edinburgh.