Williamite

Williamite is a term used to refer to supporters of the House of Orange, particularly William III of Orange, during the period of the Glorious Revolution in England. The term originated from the name of William III, who was the Stadtholder of the Dutch Republic and the Prince of Orange. The Williamites were a significant political force in England during the late 17th century, advocating for the overthrow of King James II and his Catholic successor, James VII of Scotland, in favor of William III and his Protestant wife, Mary II.

The Williamites were primarily composed of English Protestants, including members of the Church of England, Presbyterians, and Independents. They were opposed to the policies of James II, which included the revocation of the English Bill of Rights, the exclusion of Catholics from public office, and the imposition of religious tests on public officials. The Williamites believed that William III, a Protestant, would be a more favorable ruler for England and would uphold the principles of religious tolerance and constitutional monarchy.

The Williamite War, also known as the Nine Years' War, was a series of conflicts fought between 1688 and 1697 between the Williamites and the Jacobites, who supported James II and his son, James Francis Edward Stuart. The Williamites were ultimately victorious, and William III and Mary II were installed as joint monarchs of England, Scotland, and Ireland. The Glorious Revolution, as it is known, marked a significant turning point in English history, leading to the establishment of a constitutional monarchy and the recognition of parliamentary sovereignty.