King William III

1 portrait of King William III

© National Portrait Gallery, London

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King William III

by Gerard de Lairesse
etching, circa 1689-1702
9 1/4 in. x 6 3/8 in. (236 mm x 163 mm) plate size; 11 1/8 in. x 8 1/2 in. (283 mm x 216 mm) paper size
Given by Westminster Public Libraries, 1943
Reference Collection
NPG D21550

Sitterback to top

  • King William III (1650-1702), Reigned 1689-1702. Sitter associated with 142 portraits.

Artistback to top

Events of 1689back to top

Current affairs

William III is crowned jointly with his wife Mary II in Westminster Abbey in an unprecedented coronation of two monarchs.
The Bill of Rights is passed establishing the supremacy of Parliament, while limiting the power of the Crown.
Scottish Jacobites defeat Williamite troops at the Battle of Killiiecrankie.

Art and science

Thomas Shadwell, appointed poet laureate and historiographer royal, replaces John Dryden, his literary adversary.
John Riley and Godfrey Kneller are jointly appointed principal painter to the king.
Composer Henry Purcell presents his opera, Dido and Aeneas, at Josias Priest's girls' school.

International

Supported by Irish Catholics, deposed James II lands in Ireland with French troops commanded by Duc de Lauzun. Within months, James and Jacobite, Richard Talbot, Earl of Tyrconnel convene the 'Patriot Parliament' which re-establishes Catholics into government and repeals the Act of Settlement (1652), restoring confiscated lands to Catholic owners.

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