King William III
1 portrait of King William III
© National Portrait Gallery, London
King William III
after Unknown artist
line engraving, circa 1689-1702
9 1/4 in. x 3 7/8 in. (234 mm x 99 mm) plate size; 9 5/8 in. x 4 3/8 in. (246 mm x 112 mm) paper size
Reference Collection
NPG D17040
Sitterback to top
- King William III (1650-1702), Reigned 1689-1702. Sitter associated with 142 portraits.
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.Comments back to top
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