William Iii. And Mary.
1689–1702.

James II., the last of the Stuart Kings, in his attempts to rule as an absolute monarch and to restore the Roman Catholic religion, lost the support of his subjects. William, Prince of Orange, was entreated by the English people to come with an army to assist them in defending their freedom and their faith. William consented and James fled.

In 1689 a Convention, differing from a Parliament in that the writs summoning members were issued by one not yet a king, was called by William. It was decided that William and Mary should rule conjointly, but that William should hold all executive power. Louis of France, the most powerful Roman Catholic sovereign in Europe, had long wished to destroy the power of William of Orange, who was regarded as the champion of protestantism. The dethronement of James gave the French King an excuse for war, and a mighty invasion of England was prepared. The combined fleets of England and Holland decisively defeated the French fleet off La Hogue in 1692, thus shattering the ambitions of Louis.

During the reign many important bills were passed. The Triennial Bill provided that no Parliament should sit for longer than three years. The plan of a National Bank suggested by Paterson, a Scotchman, was adopted, and in 1694 the Bank of England was established.

In politics William was deeply learned, in military discipline he was skilled, and in battle he was calm and courageous. As a soldier he was among the most distinguished of his day and his successes in checking the forces of the French King were of the utmost importance to all Europe.