What Happened in December 1688

Historical Events

Churchill Switches Allegiance

Dec 4 General John Churchill (later 1st Duke of Marlborough) changes allegiance from James II to William of Orange

Stuart Family Flees

Dec 9 King James II's wife and son flee England for France

  • Dec 10 King James II flees London
  • Dec 11 King James II captured in Kent, after trying to flee to France upon the arrival of William of Orange

Dutch Troops In London

Dec 20 Prince William of Orange's troops arrive in London

  • Dec 22 Earl of Danby occupies York for King William III, Prince of Orange
  • Dec 23 King James II, the last Roman Catholic British monarch flees to France from William of Orange
  • Dec 25 British King James II lands in Ambleteuse, France

Famous Deaths

  • Dec 15 Gaspar Fagel, Dutch lawyer, Netherlands grand pensionary (1672-88), dies at 54
  • Dec 23 Jean-Louis Lully, French composer and son of Jean-Baptiste Lully, dies at 21