Page:History of the Kings & Queens of England and Scotland.pdf/10

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 * +JAMES II.
 * ||rowspan=3|History of the Kings & Queens of England and Scotland - James II.png ||
 * Born 1633. || |||Began to Reign Feb. 6, 1685.
 * Abdicated the throne Jan. 22, 1680. || ||Reigned 4 Years.
 * }
 * Abdicated the throne Jan. 22, 1680. || ||Reigned 4 Years.
 * }

Succeeded his brother, Charles II., and immediately began to take steps for reconciling his kingdom to the Church of Rome. The Duke of Monmouth, a natural son of the late king, who had retired to Holland on account of his connexion with one of the plots of last reign, landed in England, and claimed the throne; but being unsuccessful, was taken and executed, and his followers treated with unheard of cruelties. After this James proceeded openly with his designs for establishing popery; the people became discontented, the army deserted him, seven of the bishops were tried for opposing some of his measures, and were acquitted, and the Prince of Orange having landed, he was forced to abdicate the throne, and leave the kingdom. He retired to France, where he died in 1700.

Eminent men in this reign:—Duke of Monmouth; Judge Jeffries; Saville, Marquis of Halifax; John Locke.