Pregnancy
Anne miscarries, 4th time
Permanent historical records · Updated 2026-11-03
1688 in England
Explore 57 historical events and records for England in 1688.
Historical records for England in 1688
Sorted by month and day. Records with no month are shown last. Showing 40 of 57 unique records.
57Unique records
1 of 2Page
33Named events on this page
9Named people on this page
14Places on this page
April
Succession
James II has a son, Anne had no living heirs & a Catholic succession is probable
May
Reform of Royal Succession
Requests Anglican clergy read the 2nd Declaration of Indulgence to their congregations
June
Glorious Revolution
James II fathers a son, James Francis Edward Stuart, until then the throne would have passed to his daughter Mary, a Protestant, the wife of William, the prospect of a Roman Catholic dynasty in the kingdoms is now likely.
Glorious Revolution
James II was troubled by James II's Catholicism and his close ties with France, key leaders of the Tories unite with members of the opposition Whigs and set out to resolve the crisis by inviting William of Orange to England.
Glorious Revolution
The birth of James Francis Edward Stuart creates the prospect of a continuing Catholic dynasty and sharply changes the English succession crisis facing William III of Orange.
Glorious Revolution
William III of Orange becomes increasingly prepared to intervene as English political leaders oppose James II's religious and constitutional policies.
Invitation of the Immortal Seven
William III of Orange receives the invitation from seven leading English opponents of James II asking him to intervene with military support.
October
States General Support
The States General formally supports the expedition of William III of Orange, presenting the intervention as necessary for Dutch security and Protestant interests.
Declaration of Reasons
William III of Orange publishes a declaration explaining his intervention as a defence of Protestant religion, English liberties and a free Parliament.
November
Landing at Torbay
William III of Orange lands with his army at Torbay, beginning the military phase of the Glorious Revolution in England.
Lieutenant General
Promoted lieutenant-general as James II prepares to resist William of Orange.
Entry into Exeter
William III of Orange enters Exeter and establishes a major early base for his advance across southern England.
Advance to Salisbury
William III of Orange reaches the Salisbury area as defections and declining confidence weaken the position of James II.
Defection to William of Orange
Leaves James II's army during the night of 23-24 November and joins William of Orange at Axminster.
Fleet Sails for England
William III of Orange sails from the Dutch Republic with a large invasion fleet and army bound for England.
December
Negotiations at Hungerford
William III of Orange receives commissioners representing James II and answers proposals for a negotiated political settlement.
Interregnum
James attempted to flee but was detained at Faversham and returned to London.
Arrest of James II
Detained by magistrates at Faversham while attempting to reach France
Arrival in London
William III of Orange enters London after James II loses effective control of the capital.
Peers Summoned
William III of Orange summons leading peers to advise on government and the constitutional crisis following James II's departure.
Meeting of the Peers
William III of Orange addresses a large meeting of peers assembled to consider how England should be governed until a national settlement is reached.
Succession
First day of the interregnum
Former MPs Summoned
William III of Orange summons former members of Charles II's Parliaments and representatives of the City of London to advise on calling a Convention.
Interregnum
James left England after William permitted his departure, creating an effective vacancy.
Temporary Administration
English political leaders ask William III of Orange to administer public affairs until the Convention meets.
Bristol Secured
Beaufort's influence helps shape Bristol's response to William of Orange.
Convention Ordered
William III of Orange authorizes preparations for a Convention that will determine the future government and succession.
Exile of James II
James tries to escape from London but is caught by Kent fishermen & returned to London
Other events (month unknown)
Bill of Rights
James IIs overthrow begins modern English Parliamentary democracy, never since has the monarch held absolute power, and the Bill of Rights has become one of the most important documents in the political history of Britain
Birth of James Francis Edward
Birth of James Francis Edward, the future "Old Pretender", son of Mary of Modena
Capture of London
Secures Bristol & Gloucester for William of Orange
Churchill Supports Protestant Succession Change
Churchill's decision to join William of Orange weakened James II's military position during the Glorious Revolution.
Coup
The overthrow of James II by an alliance of Parliamentarians and an invading army led by William III (William of Orange) who ascends the English throne as William III. James IIs overthrow begins modern English Parliamentary democracy, never since has the monarch held absolute power, and the Bill of Rights has become one of the most important documents in the political history of Britain
Coup
William III of Orange leads the Dutch-backed intervention that helps remove James II from power and opens the way to a new English settlement.
Death of James Butler
Death of James Butler
Declaration of Indulgence
The Archbishop of Canterbury & 6 Bishops petition the King to withdraw the Declaration
Exile of James II
William III allows James II to escape to France where he lives in exile at St Germain
Exile of Mary of Modena
Flees to France with her only surviving son James Francis Edward, the old pretender
Exile of Sarah Jennings
Helps Queen Anne to escape
How these records were prepared
Generated from the World History Database historical_events table. Identical display records are collapsed; descriptions otherwise retain the stored text. Coverage and source quality vary. Check primary and specialist sources before citing individual historical claims.