Queen Mary II of England is the other half of the famous “William and Mary†team, who ruled England, Scotland and Ireland together from 1689 until her death in 1694, after which William became sole ruler. Mary was the daughter of James II, who converted to Catholicism during her childhood. James became king upon the death of his brother, Charles II, and the new king’s religion sparked revolution. Mary, being married to William of Orange of the Netherlands, was invited to return to England with him and overthrow her father. It was said that this caused her great consternation – however – she did it. James II fled the country and Mary and William ruled happily ever after. They even found the time to endow the College of William and Mary in the colonies in 1693. Mary and William were childless; she died of smallpox and her husband ruled until 1702, after which Mary’s sister, Anne, ascended to the throne.
