D. Anne was the second daughter of James II. B. at St. James’s, 1665. M. Prince George, of Denmark. Dd. at Kensington, Aug. 1, 1714. R. 12½ years (1702 to 1714).
1702. The earl of Marlborough appointed captain-general of the royal forces. Lord Godolphin made treasurer—Marlborough and he became ascendant, and, though nominally Tories, were supported by the Whigs, who approved of their war policy. WAR OF THE SPANISH SUCCESSION: War declared against France and Spain.
1703. The duke of Marlborough captured Bonn and other towns.
1704. Gibraltar taken by Sir George Rooke (July 23). Marlborough and Prince Eugene gained a splendid victory over the French and Bavarians at BLENHEIM, in Bavaria (Aug. 13).
1705. Barcelona captured by the earl of Peterborough (Sept.).
1706. Marlborough gained a great victory over the French at Ramilies, in Belgium (May 23).
1707. Act of Union passed between England and Scotland. The English and their allies disastrously defeated at Almanza, in Spain, by the duke of Berwick (April 25). First United Parliament of Great Britain met (Oct. 23).
The chief provisions of the Act of Union were—1, That the succession of the crown should vest in the Princess Sophia and her heirs, being Protestants; 2, That both nations should have full freedom of trade, and should enjoy equal rights and privileges, except where otherwise agreed; 3, That Scotland should retain the presbyterian church, her own municipal laws, and her own courts of justice; 4, That the united kingdom should be governed by one parliament; 5, That 16 peers and 45 commoners should represent Scotland in parliament; 6, That the regulations relating to trade, customs, and excise, should be the same in both countries, and that Scotland should only pay one-fortieth of the land tax paid by England.
1708. The French defeated by Marlborough at Oudenarde, in Belgium (July 11). Conquest of Minorca. Lille surrendered to the allies after an active siege. Mrs. Masham was gradually supplanting the duchess of Marlborough as the queen’s favourite, and was intriguing to bring the Tories into power.