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The phrase 'William and Mary' usually refers to the joint sovereignty over the Kingdom of England, as well as the Kingdom of Scotland, of King William III and his wife Queen Mary II, a daughter of James II. Their joint reign began in February, 1689, when they were called to the throne by Parliament, replacing James II, who was "deemed to have fled" the country in the Glorious Revolution of 1688. After Mary died in 1694, William of Orange ruled alone until his death in 1702. Their rule was the only period in British history in which "joint sovereigns" with equal powers were allowed to reign; usually, the spouse of the monarch has no power and is simply a consort.

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Historic impact

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Historic impact

To end the Glorious Revolution, William and Mary signed the English Bill of Rights that led to a greater measure of personal liberty and democracy in Britain, and a new co-operation between the Parliament and the monarchs. This both signaled the end of several centuries of tension and conflict between crown and parliament, and the end of hope that England would be restored to Roman Catholicism, Mary being a Protestant Stuart. This led on to the modern nation state of today known as the United Kingdom under their successor, Mary's sister Anne of Great Britain.
The College of William & Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia, was chartered in 1693, endowed and named in their honor.

See also

★ Mary II

★ William II and III

★ The College of William and Mary

★ Philip and Mary

★ Francis and Mary

★ Henry and Mary