James II and the Glorious Revolution (1685–1689)

James II's brief reign and the "Glorious Revolution" that ended it represent one of the most significant constitutional turning points in English history. This lesson examines James's Catholic policies, the Monmouth Rebellion, the Trial of the Seven Bishops, and William of Orange's invasion — while analysing whether 1688 was truly a "revolution" and whether it was truly "glorious."

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James II's Accession

James succeeded on 6 February 1685 with the advantages of undisputed hereditary right, a loyalist Parliament, and the rapid defeat of Monmouth's rebellion.

The Monmouth Rebellion (June–July 1685)

Aspect	Detail
Leader	James Scott, Duke of Monmouth — Charles II's illegitimate Protestant son
Battle of Sedgemoor	6 July 1685 — the last pitched battle on English soil. Monmouth's forces routed.
Aftermath	Monmouth executed. "Bloody Assizes" under Judge Jeffreys: approximately 300 executed, 800 transported.

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James's Catholic Policies

James's determination to advance Catholicism systematically alienated his initial supporters:

Policy	Impact
Catholic army officers	Violated the Test Act; created fear of military tyranny
Ecclesiastical Commission	Revived abolished court to discipline Anglican clergy
Declaration of Indulgence (1687)	Suspended penal laws by prerogative — the power Parliament had rejected in 1673
Magdalen College (1687)	Forced a Catholic president on Oxford's most prestigious college
Corporation remodelling	Replaced Protestant officials with Catholics and Dissenters

Why Did James's Policies Fail?

flowchart TD
    A[James's Catholic Policies] --> B[Alienated Tory/Anglican allies]
    A --> C[Used prerogative to override Parliament]
    A --> D[Standing army with Catholic officers]
    A --> E[Assault on Anglican institutions]
    B --> F[Destroyed natural royalist base]
    C --> G[Confirmed Whig warnings about Catholic absolutism]
    D --> H[Fear of military tyranny]
    E --> I[United Anglicans, Dissenters, and Whigs against the Crown]
    F --> J[No domestic support when William invaded]
    G --> J
    H --> J
    I --> J

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The Trial of the Seven Bishops (June 1688)

Seven bishops (including the Archbishop of Canterbury) petitioned James asking to be excused from reading the Declaration of Indulgence. James had them arrested and tried for seditious libel. Their acquittal on 30 June 1688 — to national rejoicing — was a catastrophic political defeat for the king.