William III and Mary II

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William III and Mary II

William  r 1689-1702
Mary  r 1689-94

Famous for reigning jointly

They are the only monarchs in British history to have done so. They succeeded to the throne after James II, Mary’s father was deposed in 1688.

William and Mary at Kensington Palace

William and Mary purchased Nottingham House from Daniel Finch, Earl of Nottingham in 1689.

They immediately commissioned Sir Christopher Wren to enlarge the property.

The improvements came to an abrupt halt in 1694 when Mary died suddenly of smallpox.

After some years William did return to the project and the King’s Gallery was completed.

Mary II was a great homemaker, and at Kensington Palace her massive collection of ceramics was arranged through all her rooms.

Did you know?

Mary II loved animals. In her gallery visitors had to be careful not to trip over the little red velvet beds she had made for her dogs, and bird cages hung at each of the windows.

Learn about another monarch>

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