1-155-776 - Ann Ronan Picture Library/Heritage-Images

William of Orange landing with his army at Torbay, Devon, 5 November 1688. A protestant, William of Orange (1650-1702) was invited by a conspiracy of English notables to depose the Catholic James II and assume the throne in his stead. The invasion, which was virtually bloodless, was successful and became known as the 'Glorious Revolution'. James fled to France and the Prince of Orange was crowned William III of Great Britain and Ireland on 11 April 1689. He co-ruled with his wife Mary II from 1689, continuing as sole ruler after her death in 1694.