Enlightenment · Europe · Politics

1702

Queen Anne Ascends the English Throne

March 8, 1702

Stout, gouty, and mourning seventeen lost children, Anne Stuart took the throne her brother-in-law William had warmed. Her reign would see Union with Scotland, victories at Blenheim, the first cabinet government, and a literature from Swift and Pope that mocked her even as it was made possible by her peace.