ABSTRACT
The successful Dutch invasion that initiated the Glorious Revolution had unintentionally resulted in a vacancy of the English throne. William’s position in this regard was still being debated. Moreover, his position in Scotland and Ireland was still by no means secure, and his kingship there might have to be assured by force. His absence from two of his kingdoms and the United Provinces, and his concentration on the war that had broken out on the continent, weakened his grip on affairs in these parts of his realms. The revolution settlement was especially unstable during the first two years of William’s reign. While he struggled to maintain his prerogatives in the three kingdoms, there was also opposition in the United Provinces, and from outside there was the continuous threat of a French-Jacobite invasion.
