James II was born on the 14th of October 1633, at St. James's Palace in London.
He was the third son of King Charles I and of his wife, Princess Henrietta Maria of France.
In 1648 James escaped from Oliver Cromwell and the Parliamentary forces which would
execute his father the following year. James lived the next twelve years in exile in France.
With his mother and brother Charles II. On the 25th of May 25 1660 James returned to
England with his brother King Charles II. In September the 3rd 1660, he married Anne Hyde.
They had eight children together but only two daughters survived to adulthood.
After his brother Charles II's death he Became king on the 6th of February 1685,
James II was a devout Catholic and after he became king he attempted to force Catholicism
on England. This angered the Protestant Parliament who in-turn turned to William of Orange
urging him to save England from a Catholic takeover. Williams forces landed in England in
November 1688. The mostly Protestant army did not put up a fight and James II was forced
to flee to France. James II made one attempt to regain the crown, but his French and Irish
forces were easily defeated.
James II ended up spending the rest of his life and dying in France.
William and Mary were crowned together at Westminster Abbey on 11th of April 1689.
He was the third son of King Charles I and of his wife, Princess Henrietta Maria of France.
In 1648 James escaped from Oliver Cromwell and the Parliamentary forces which would
execute his father the following year. James lived the next twelve years in exile in France.
With his mother and brother Charles II. On the 25th of May 25 1660 James returned to
England with his brother King Charles II. In September the 3rd 1660, he married Anne Hyde.
They had eight children together but only two daughters survived to adulthood.
After his brother Charles II's death he Became king on the 6th of February 1685,
James II was a devout Catholic and after he became king he attempted to force Catholicism
on England. This angered the Protestant Parliament who in-turn turned to William of Orange
urging him to save England from a Catholic takeover. Williams forces landed in England in
November 1688. The mostly Protestant army did not put up a fight and James II was forced
to flee to France. James II made one attempt to regain the crown, but his French and Irish
forces were easily defeated.
James II ended up spending the rest of his life and dying in France.
William and Mary were crowned together at Westminster Abbey on 11th of April 1689.
JAMES II 1685-1688
