Question 1
Using these four sources in their historical context, assess how far they support the view that
William of Orange invaded England in 1688 for his own benefit.
Source A: Leading notables in England write to William of Orange.
The people are so generally dissatisfied with the present conduct of the government in relation to their religion, liberties and properties, all of which have been greatly invaded, and they are in such expectation of the prospects being daily worse, that your Highness may be assured there are nineteen parts of twenty of the people throughout the kingdom who are desirous of change, and who, we believe, would willingly contribute to it; and there is no doubt but that some of the most considerable of them would venture themselves with your Highness at your first landing.
Invitation to William, 30 June 1688
Source B: William explains his decision to invade England.
We cannot excuse ourselves from espousing their kingdom’s interest in a matter of such high consequence; and from contributing all that lies in us for maintaining, both of the Protestant religion and of the laws and liberties of those kingdoms to the doing of which we are most earnestly solicited by a great many lords and by many gentlemen and other subjects of all ranks. Therefore it is, that we have thought fit to go over to England and to carry over with us a force sufficient, by the blessing of God, to defend us from the violence of those evil counsellors. We now think fit to declare, that this our expedition is intended for no other design but to have a free and lawful Parliament assembled as soon as is possible.
William of Orange, declaration, 30 September 1688
Source C: A Tory member of the gentry comments on William’s motives for the invasion.
It was very strange, and a certain forerunner of the mischiefs that ensued upon this invasion, that neither the gentry nor common people seemed much afraid or concerned at it, saying, the prince comes only to maintain the Protestant religion; he will do England no harm. On the other hand, it was suggested from Court that he aimed at the crown, and the Dutch, who assisted him, at the trade of England. And the truth is his own declaration when it came, for it set forth all the grievances of the nation with great aggravation, as the King’s intention to subvert both the government in Church and State; that he intended to make himself absolute and to rout out the Protestant religion.
Sir John Reresby, Memoirs, 15 October 1688
Source D: William explains his demands for a settlement.
1. That all papists and such persons as are not qualified by law be disarmed, disbanded and removed from all employments civil and military.
2. That all proclamations which reflect on us or have come to us, or declared for us, be recalled.
3. That if His Majesty [James II] should think fit to be in London during the sitting of Parliament, that we may be there also with an equal number of guards, or if His Majesty shall be pleased to be in any place from London, at whatever distance he thinks fit, that we may be at a place of the same distance.
4. That to prevent the landing of French or other foreign troops, Portsmouth may be put into such hands as by your Majesty and us shall be agreed on.
William of Orange, demands issued, 9 December 1688
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Answer
