Queen Anne, the younger sister of Mary II, becomes Queen regnant of England, Scotland, and Ireland.

The early 18th century saw a pivotal moment in British history, presided over by a monarch whose reign would permanently reshape the United Kingdom: Queen Anne. Born on February 6, 1665, Anne’s life unfolded against a backdrop of intense religious and political turmoil that defined England, Scotland, and Ireland in the late Stuart period. She was the daughter of James, Duke of York, who would later become King James II, and his first wife, Anne Hyde. Crucially, she was also the niece of the reigning monarch, King Charles II. While her father’s suspected Roman Catholicism cast a long shadow, Charles II, ever pragmatic, insisted that Anne and her elder sister, Mary, be raised within the Protestant Church of England, a decision that would prove immensely significant for the future of the monarchy.

The Road to the Throne: Family, Revolution, and Succession

Anne’s family life and path to the throne were far from straightforward. In 1677, her sister Mary married their Dutch Protestant cousin, William III of Orange, an alliance that solidified Protestant ties across Europe. Anne herself followed suit in 1683, marrying Prince George of Denmark, a Protestant prince whose quiet demeanor provided a stable personal anchor for Anne amidst the political storms. Upon Charles II’s death in 1685, Anne’s father, James, ascended to the throne as King James II. However, his overt Catholicism and perceived autocratic tendencies quickly alienated Parliament and a significant portion of the populace. Just three tumultuous years later, in 1688, James II was deposed in the bloodless coup known as the Glorious Revolution. This seismic event saw his Protestant daughter Mary and her husband William of Orange invited to rule as joint monarchs.

While Mary and Anne had been close sisters, the realities of power strained their relationship. Disagreements arose shortly after Mary's accession, particularly concerning Anne’s finances, her status as heir presumptive, and her choice of companions, leading to a bitter estrangement between the two queens. Tragically, William and Mary had no children, leaving the succession open. After Mary’s death in 1694, William reigned alone until his own passing in 1702. With no other direct Protestant heirs, the crown then passed to Anne, who officially began her reign as Queen of England, Scotland, and Ireland on March 8, 1702.

A Reign of Union, War, and Political Intrigue

Queen Anne's twelve-year reign was a period of profound transformation for the British Isles. She inherited not only the crown but also the ongoing War of the Spanish Succession, a major European conflict aimed at preventing the Bourbon dynasty from dominating the continent. Throughout her reign, Anne demonstrated a strong preference for moderate Tory politicians, largely because they tended to align more closely with her own Anglican religious views than their rivals, the Whigs. The Whigs, however, gained considerable influence and power as the War of the Spanish Succession continued, only for Anne to dramatically dismiss many of them from office in 1710, shifting the political landscape.

Perhaps the most enduring legacy of Anne’s reign, and certainly a monumental moment in British history, was the Acts of Union. On May 1, 1707, under these landmark legislative acts, the separate kingdoms of England and Scotland were formally united into a single sovereign state, thenceforth known as Great Britain. Anne proudly continued her reign as the first Queen of Great Britain and Ireland, a title she held until her death. Beyond the grand political maneuvers, Anne's personal life was also marked by notable relationships, particularly her famously intense friendship with Sarah Churchill, the Duchess of Marlborough. This bond, once incredibly close, soured dramatically as a result of profound political differences, with the Duchess eventually seeking revenge through an unflattering and highly critical description of the Queen in her widely published memoirs. This portrayal, long accepted by historians, contributed to a somewhat negative view of Anne until reassessments in the late 20th century offered a more nuanced perspective.

Illness, Succession Crisis, and Lasting Legacy

Despite her momentous political achievements, Anne’s personal life was overshadowed by persistent ill health. From her thirties onward, she grew increasingly unwell and suffered from obesity, gout, and other ailments that plagued her throughout her life. Her personal sorrows were profound; despite enduring 17 pregnancies, she tragically died without any surviving children. This heartbreaking reality meant that Anne was the last monarch of the illustrious House of Stuart, bringing an end to a dynasty that had ruled Scotland for centuries and England since 1603. The question of succession had long been a pressing concern, leading to the Act of Settlement in 1701, which specifically excluded all Roman Catholics from inheriting the throne. Consequently, upon Anne’s death on August 1, 1714, the crown passed not to a direct descendant, but to her second cousin, George I, the Elector of Hanover, thus inaugurating the new Hanoverian dynasty that would shape Britain for generations to come. Anne's reign, therefore, stands as a crucial bridge between the tumultuous Stuart era and the rise of modern Britain, marked by the birth of Great Britain and the establishment of a Protestant succession.

FAQs About Queen Anne

Who was Queen Anne?
Queen Anne was the last monarch of the House of Stuart, reigning over England, Scotland, and Ireland from 1702, and as the first Queen of Great Britain and Ireland from 1707 until her death in 1714.
When did Queen Anne reign?
She reigned from March 8, 1702, to August 1, 1714.
What was the Act of Union?
The Act of Union, passed in 1707, formally united the Kingdom of England and the Kingdom of Scotland into a single sovereign state called Great Britain, under one parliament and one monarch.
Why was Queen Anne important?
Her reign was crucial for several reasons: she oversaw the unification of England and Scotland into Great Britain, she was the last Stuart monarch, and her death led to the Hanoverian succession, establishing the Protestant line to the British throne.
Did Queen Anne have children?
Queen Anne had 17 pregnancies, but tragically, none of her children survived to adulthood, leading to a succession crisis upon her death.
Who succeeded Queen Anne?
Due to the Act of Settlement 1701, which excluded Catholics, she was succeeded by her second cousin, George I of the House of Hanover, initiating the Hanoverian dynasty.
What major wars or political events occurred during her reign?
Her reign was dominated by the War of the Spanish Succession and the political struggles between the Whig and Tory parties. The most significant domestic event was the Acts of Union in 1707.