| |
More than 5000 entries on the history, culture and life of Britain (published in 1993 by Macmillan, now out of print)
|
Anne
|
|
|
(1665–1714)
Queen of England, Scotland and Ireland from 1702; second daughter of James II and Anne Hyde; married 1683 Prince George of Denmark; succeeded her brother-in-law, *William III.
Anne's years as a princess were darkened by tragedies of childbirth. She suffered ten miscarriages, gave birth to four infants who died within weeks, and saw her only surviving child die at the age of 11 (William, duke of Gloucester, 1689–1700). Before she even ascended the throne, the Act of *Settlement had made provision for her to be succeeded by a distant cousin.
|
|
|
|
|
Anne's comfort, in addition to that of a happy marriage, had been in her close friendship with Sarah Jennings; they were famous for dropping royal protocol to such an extent that Sarah addressed the princess as Mrs Morley and was called Mrs Freeman in return. After Sarah married the duke of *Marlborough the couple remained Anne's closest allies, until political differences intervened and Sarah was replaced as friend and favourite by Abigail Hill (Mrs Masham).
|
|
|
|
|
Internationally the dominant factor of her reign was the War of the *Spanish Succession. At home her policies were guided largely by her devotion to the Anglican church, a commitment which had caused her to welcome the Protestant *William III when he replaced her Roman Catholic father on the throne. One of her most lasting acts as queen was to use the crown revenue from the church (originally taxes paid to the pope, appropriated by Henry VIII) to increase the livings of the poorer parish clergy. The fund, known as Queen Anne's Bounty, is now administered by the *Church Commissioners. Anne's death brought to an end the *Stuart dynasty. She was succeeded by George I and the house of *Hanover (see also the *royal house).
|
|
|
|