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Glorious Revolution

In British history, the events surrounding the removal of James II from the throne and his replacement in 1689 by his daughter Mary and William of Orange as joint sovereigns (Mary II and William III), bound by the Bill of Rights.

Events

James II had become increasingly unpopular on account of his unconstitutional behaviour and Catholicism. In June 1688 seven prominent politicians invited the Protestant William to invade. In September 1688 William issued a Declaration of Reasons, supporting the ‘warming pan’ theory that James's son was an impostor, and promising to defend the Protestant faith. In November his fleet set sail for England, landing at Torbay on 5 November. James's army and navy deserted him, and he lost his nerve and fled to France.

The Glorious Revolution was bloodless in England, but involved fierce wars in both Scotland and Ireland (see Scotland: history 1603 to 1746, the Revolution of 1688 and Ireland: history 1603 to 1782, the Glorious Revolution). William and Mary ascended the throne, but the Bill of Rights limited the power of the crown, established the power of Parliament, and established a constitutional monarchy in England. William was succeeded by Anne, second daughter of James II, and the Act of Settlement of 1701 ensured future Protestant succession to the throne.

Anne James Francis Edward Stuart Kennett, White Leeds, Thomas Osborne, 1st Duke of Leeds Londonderry, Siege of

Mary II Scotland: history 1603 to 1746 Settlement, Act of Wharton, Thomas, 1st Marquess of Wharton