Who was the last Catholic king of England?

The last Catholic king of England was James II.

James II: England's Last Catholic Monarch

James II, who also reigned as James VII of Scotland, holds a unique place in English history as the last Roman Catholic monarch to rule the Kingdoms of England, Scotland, and Ireland. His reign was marked by significant religious and political tensions that ultimately led to the Glorious Revolution.

Accession and Religious Policies

James II ascended to the throne in 1685 following the death of his elder brother, King Charles II. A devout Catholic, James's efforts to promote religious tolerance for Catholics and Dissenters, coupled with his attempts to assert royal authority, met with strong opposition from the Protestant establishment and Parliament. His policies were perceived as a threat to the established Church of England and the traditional liberties of Englishmen.

Key events during his reign included:

• Declaration of Indulgence: James issued this declaration in 1687 and 1688, suspending penal laws against Catholics and Protestant nonconformists. While seemingly tolerant, it was seen by many as an attempt to undermine the Church of England and increase royal power.
• Catholic Appointments: He appointed Catholics to prominent positions in the army, government, and universities, further alarming the Protestant majority.
• Birth of a Catholic Heir: The birth of his son, James Francis Edward Stuart, in June 1688, created the prospect of a continuing Catholic dynasty, which was a major catalyst for intervention by Protestant forces.

The Glorious Revolution and Abdication

The widespread fear of a permanent Catholic monarchy led to an invitation from leading English Parliamentarians to William of Orange, James's Protestant nephew and son-in-law, to invade England. William landed in England in November 1688, and James II, finding little support, fled to France in December of the same year. This event, known as the Glorious Revolution, effectively ended his reign. Parliament subsequently declared that James had abdicated the throne, and offered the crown jointly to William and Mary (James's Protestant daughter). This shift solidified the Protestant succession in England and significantly limited the power of the monarchy.

Key Facts About James II

James II's dethronement ensured that all subsequent British monarchs would be Protestant, a principle enshrined in the Bill of Rights 1689 and the Act of Settlement 1701, which remain foundational to the British constitution today.