LONDON 1688

Rumours reached London in November 1688 that the Prince of Orange had landed in Brixham at the head of an invading army. Observers reported that, "people flocked to see him, and prayed to God to bless him! William responded to the well-wishers by saying: "thank you, good people, I have come to secure the Protestant religion, and to free you from popery".

Excitement reached fever pitch when word spread that King James II had fled and William would soon be in the capital. In the hours leading up to his arrival thousands lined the streets carrying oranges on sticks and singing songs, many of which poked fun at their departed King.

After hours of waiting in the rain a rumour spread that William had already arrived at St James' Palace. When the spectators discovered he had deliberately avoided their welcome their mood turned sour. It wasn't improved when they learnt Dutch Blue Guards and not an English regiment had escorted him into the city.

Londoners' euphoria was short lived. Within weeks William had moved out of the city to Hampton Court where he surrounded himself with Dutch rather than English advisers. Courtiers complained about his austerity and yearned for the flamboyance of Charles' court.

The Jacobites insinuated that he had come to usurp the crown and oppress the people, not to safeguard religion and liberty.

The Anglican bishops and the dissenting ministers, the Tory and Whig politicians all wondered what this new King would be like: a Protestant saviour or an autocratic monarch?