Mary II of England

Reign: 1689 – 1694
Life: 1662–1695

Her joint reign with William over Britain is known as that of William and Mary. Mary and her sister Anne were raised as Anglicans at the behest of Charles II, although their parents both converted to Roman Catholicism. Charles lacked legitimate children, making Mary second in the line of succession. James's attempts at rule by decree and the birth of his son from a second marriage, James Francis Edward (later known as "the Old Pretender"), led to his deposition in the Glorious Revolution of 1688 and the adoption of the English Bill of Rights.

During Mary II of England's reign, Louis XIV of France ruled France, Charles II of Spain ruled Spain, and Aurangzeb ruled Mughal Empire.

Want to learn more? Further reading

Scotland: A History by Jenny Wormald

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The World During Their Reign

The most notable rulers who held power elsewhere at the same time, from European courts to Ottoman, Mughal, and Chinese thrones.

Meanwhile in history

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From the library

Go deeper on Mary II of England

Hand-picked histories and biographies for readers who want more than the timeline: the same era, told in full.

Scotland: A History

Jenny Wormald

The standard one-volume history of Scotland, essential context for the early kingdom and its kings.

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Medieval Scotland: The Making of an Identity
Bruce Webster
A concise survey of medieval Scotland that situates Mary II of England within church, lordship, and crown.
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