The Convention Parliament declares that the flight to France in 1688 by James II, the last Roman Catholic British monarch, constitutes an abdication.

The English Convention of 1689 stands as a pivotal moment in British constitutional history. Convening from 22 January to 12 February 1689, this extraordinary assembly of the Parliament of England was tasked with resolving the profound political and dynastic crisis sparked by the flight of King James II. Its decisive action led to the transfer of the crowns of England and Ireland from the deposed James II to the Protestant joint monarchs, William III and Mary II, fundamentally reshaping the future of the monarchy and parliamentary power.

Understanding the Necessity of the Convention of 1689

The English Convention did not emerge in a vacuum; it was a direct response to the Glorious Revolution of 1688. This period of political upheaval saw growing discontent with King James II, a Catholic monarch whose pro-Catholic policies, attempts to assert royal prerogative over Parliament, and the birth of a male heir (raising fears of a perpetual Catholic dynasty) alienated key sections of the English establishment. Faced with a widespread invasion by William of Orange, Stadtholder of the Dutch Republic and husband to James's Protestant daughter Mary, James II fled England in December 1688. His departure created a unique constitutional dilemma: how could a legitimate Parliament be summoned without a reigning monarch? Thus, an ad-hoc "Convention Parliament" was convened, so named because it lacked the traditional royal summons.

Key Deliberations and the Transfer of Power

Meeting in London, the English Convention engaged in intense debates over the nature of James II's departure and the succession. The primary question was whether James had "abdicated" the throne or if it had been "vacated." Ultimately, the Convention declared that James II, by attempting to subvert the constitution and by fleeing the kingdom, had "abdicated the government," thereby leaving the throne "vacant." This declaration was crucial, as it allowed for a new succession without endorsing the concept of outright deposition. Following this, after rejecting various alternatives, the Convention resolved to offer the crown jointly to William of Orange and Mary, James II's eldest daughter. This offer was contingent upon their acceptance of a Declaration of Rights, which explicitly outlined the grievances against James II and asserted fundamental parliamentary powers and individual liberties. This Declaration would later be formally enacted as the Bill of Rights in December 1689, a cornerstone of English constitutional law.

The Parallel Scottish Response to the Revolution

In parallel to the events in England, Scotland also faced its own constitutional crisis. A separate, but equally significant, Scottish Convention of Estates met in Edinburgh in March 1689. While sharing the objective of settling the crown, the Scottish Convention adopted a more explicit stance than its English counterpart. Through the "Articles of Grievances" and subsequently the "Claim of Right," the Scottish Convention declared that James VII (as he was known in Scotland) had forfeited the throne by his actions and that the crown was indeed vacant. This established a contractual basis for the monarchy in Scotland, asserting the rights of the people and the limitations on royal power. Like the English Convention, it ultimately confirmed that the throne of Scotland was to be awarded to William III and Mary II, solidifying their joint reign across both kingdoms, albeit under distinct constitutional documents.

A Defining Moment for Parliamentary Sovereignty and Constitutional Monarchy

The Conventions of 1689 in both England and Scotland were far more than simple transfers of power. They marked a decisive shift towards parliamentary supremacy and the establishment of a constitutional monarchy, where the monarch's power was constrained by law and subject to the consent of Parliament. The Glorious Revolution, culminating in these Conventions and their associated Bills of Rights and Claim of Right, ensured that no future monarch could rule without the explicit agreement of Parliament and adherence to established legal principles. This period laid the groundwork for modern parliamentary democracy, influencing political thought and governance not only in Britain but also globally, demonstrating the possibility of a peaceful transfer of power that curtailed absolute monarchy.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 1689 Conventions

What was the primary purpose of the English Convention of 1689?
Its primary purpose was to resolve the constitutional crisis following the flight of King James II during the Glorious Revolution, ultimately deciding on the succession to the thrones of England and Ireland.
Why was it called a "Convention" instead of a "Parliament"?
It was termed a "Convention" because it lacked the formal royal summons traditionally required to constitute a Parliament. King James II had fled, and there was no monarch to legally call a new Parliament. Once William and Mary accepted the crown, it was retrospectively declared a Parliament.
Who succeeded James II as a result of the Convention?
The Convention transferred the crowns of England and Ireland to James II's Protestant daughter, Mary II, and her husband, William III of Orange, who reigned jointly.
What was the role of the Scottish Convention in 1689?
The Scottish Convention, meeting in March 1689, mirrored its English counterpart by also declaring James VII (James II of England) to have forfeited the throne of Scotland. It then awarded the Scottish crown to William III and Mary II, establishing its own constitutional settlement through the Claim of Right.
What lasting impact did these Conventions have?
The Conventions were instrumental in cementing the principles of parliamentary sovereignty and constitutional monarchy. They led directly to the English Bill of Rights and the Scottish Claim of Right, documents that permanently limited royal power, enshrined parliamentary rights, and protected individual liberties, profoundly influencing the development of democratic governance.