William and Mary refers to a dual monarchy that existed in England from 1689 to 1694. It is a term commonly used to describe the joint reign of William III and Mary II, who ascended to the English throne after the Glorious Revolution.
William and Mary were both born into the House of Orange-Nassau, a Dutch noble family. William was originally invited to Britain by a group of English politicians and nobles who wished to oust his father-in-law, James II, due to his Catholic faith and autocratic governing style. William, along with his wife Mary, who was James II's Protestant daughter, were seen as a suitable alternative to rule England.
During their reign, William and Mary implemented significant political changes. They signed the Bill of Rights in 1689, which limited the power of the monarchy and established certain rights and liberties for English citizens. This document is often considered a key milestone in the development of constitutional monarchy in England.
The phrase "William and Mary" can also refer to institutions associated with the monarchs, such as the College of William and Mary, established in 1693 in Virginia, which is the oldest higher education institution in the United States.
Overall, the term "William and Mary" encapsulates the joint rule of William III and Mary II, as well as the political and historical implications of their reign.
