The Glorious Revolution and the Bill of Rights

 The Glorious Revolution-the Bill of Rights

The Glorious Revolution and the Bill of Rights (1688–1689)

The Glorious Revolution of 1688 was a pivotal moment in British history that resulted in the overthrow of James II and the establishment of William III and Mary II as joint monarchs. It was a largely bloodless revolution that ensured Protestant supremacy, limited the power of the monarchy, and laid the foundation for constitutional government through the Bill of Rights (1689).

1. Causes of the Glorious Revolution

Several factors contributed to the revolution, primarily rooted in religious tensions, fears of absolutism, and the desire for parliamentary sovereignty.

1.1. James II’s Pro-Catholic Policies

James II (r. 1685–1688) was a devout Catholic in a staunchly Protestant nation. His policies alienated the Anglican establishment and the political elite:

  • Ignoring the Test Act (1673): Appointed Catholics to government and military positions.
  • Declaration of Indulgence (1687, 1688): Granted religious tolerance to Catholics and Protestant dissenters, angering Anglicans.
  • Dismissed Parliament in 1685 when it opposed his pro-Catholic policies.

1.2. The Birth of a Catholic Heir (1688)

For most of his reign, Protestants tolerated James because his heirs were his Protestant daughters, Mary (married to William of Orange) and Anne. However, in June 1688, James’s second wife Mary of Modena (who was a Catholic) gave birth to a son, James Francis Edward Stuart, creating the prospect of a Catholic dynasty.

This alarmed Protestants, who feared that England would return to Catholic rule permanently.


1.3. Invitation to William of Orange

Opposition to James grew among Protestant nobles, known as the Immortal Seven, who secretly invited William of Orange, the Dutch ruler and husband of James’s daughter Mary, to intervene and take the throne.

  • William had his own reasons to accept:
    • He was already engaged in a war against Catholic France (Louis XIV).
    • Securing the English throne would strengthen his fight against Catholic influence in Europe.

2. The Glorious Revolution: Events of 1688

2.1. William’s Invasion (November 1688)

  • November 5, 1688: William of Orange landed at Torbay (Devon) with a fleet of 500 ships and 15,000 troops.
  • Many of James’s own officers and nobles defected to William’s side.
  • Even James’s Protestant daughter, Princess Anne, abandoned him.

2.2. James II’s Abdication and Flight to France

  • As William’s forces advanced, James panicked and attempted to flee on December 11, 1688.
  • He was captured but allowed to escape to France, where he lived under the protection of Louis XIV.
  • Parliament declared that James had abdicated, leaving the throne vacant.

3. Establishment of William and Mary (1689)

After James’s flight, the Parliament faced a unique problem—there was no legal precedent for replacing a monarch who had fled.

3.1. The Convention Parliament (1689)

Parliament met in January 1689 to decide on the succession. It is called "Convention Parliament" as it was not summoned by the King. The Parliament declared:

  1. James II had "abdicated the government" by fleeing.
  2. The throne was therefore vacant.
  3. William and Mary should rule jointly as co-monarchs.

3.2. Acceptance of the Crown (February 1689)

  • February 13, 1689: William and Mary accepted the crown, agreeing to limit their powers in exchange for Parliament’s support.
  • This established a constitutional monarchy, where the king and queen ruled with Parliament’s consent.


4. The Bill of Rights (1689): Establishing Constitutional Monarchy

The Bill of Rights (1689) was a landmark document that formalized the principles of the Glorious Revolution. It was passed by Parliament in December 1689 and accepted by William and Mary.


4.1. Key Provisions of the Bill of Rights

  1. Limits on the Monarchy:
    • The king could not suspend laws or levy taxes without Parliament’s approval.
    • The royal prerogative (absolute power) was severely restricted.
  2. Parliamentary Sovereignty:
    • Regular parliaments were required.
    • Free elections to Parliament were guaranteed.
    • Parliamentary debates were protected from royal interference.
  3. Religious Settlements:
    • No Catholic could become monarch.
    • Monarchs must be members of the Church of England.
  4. Rights of Individuals:
    • Cruel and unusual punishments were banned.
    • Excessive fines and bails were prohibited.
    • The right to petition the king was protected.
    • Right to bear arms for Protestants (but Catholics were denied this right).

4.2. Significance of the Bill of Rights

  • End of Divine Right of Kings: The monarchy was now subordinate to Parliament, unlike previous Stuart rulers who believed in absolute power.
  • Rise of Constitutional Monarchy: The king and queen could only rule with Parliament’s consent.
  • Foundation for Later Democratic Reforms: The Bill of Rights laid the groundwork for later democratic changes in Britain.
  • Inspiration for Other Countries: The principles in the Bill of Rights influenced:
    • The American Bill of Rights (1791).
    • The French Declaration of the Rights of Man (1789).

5. Impact of the Glorious Revolution

5.1. Political Consequences

  • Established parliamentary supremacy over the monarchy.
  • Marked the end of absolute monarchy in England.
  • The Toleration Act (1689) allowed Protestant dissenters some religious freedom, though Catholics remained excluded.

5.2. Religious Consequences

  • Ensured Protestant dominance in England, Scotland, and Ireland.
  • Catholics were barred from the throne and faced continued discrimination.
  • Strengthened the Anglican Church as the official church of England.

5.3. International Consequences

  • Weakened Catholic influence in Europe: William III’s rule helped oppose Louis XIV’s expansionism.
Prepared by
Jacob Eapen Kunnath
Dept. of English, CMS College Kottayam (Autonomous)

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