William and Mary
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Double portrait to commemorate the bethrothal of William and Mary, by
Anthony van Dyck
The phrase
William and Mary usually refers to the joint sovereignty over the
Kingdom of England and the
Kingdom of Scotland of
King William III and his wife
Queen Mary 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 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.
The College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia was chartered in 1693, endowed and named in their honour.
See also
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