William IV

William IV
source
Name	William IV
Caption	Portrait by Sir Martin Archer Shee
Succession	King of the United Kingdom and King of Hanover
Reign	26 June 1830 – 20 June 1837
Predecessor	George IV
Successor	Victoria (UK), Ernest Augustus (Hanover)
Spouse	Adelaide of Saxe-Meiningen (m. 1818)
Issue	Princess Charlotte of Clarence, Princess Elizabeth of Clarence, George FitzClarence, Adolphus FitzClarence, and others
House	House of Hanover
Father	George III
Mother	Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz
Birth date	21 August 1765
Birth place	Buckingham House, London
Death date	20 June 1837 (aged 71)
Death place	Windsor Castle, Berkshire
Burial date	8 July 1837
Burial place	St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle

William IV. He was the third son of George III and Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz, ascending to the throne following the death of his elder brother, George IV. His reign, though brief, was a period of significant constitutional reform, most notably the passage of the Reform Act 1832. Known as the "Sailor King" for his extensive naval service, his relatively unpretentious character provided a contrast to his predecessor and helped restore some public affection for the monarchy.

Early life and naval career

Born at Buckingham House, he was created Duke of Clarence and St Andrews in 1789. He entered the Royal Navy at age thirteen, serving under Captain John Jervis and seeing action during the American Revolutionary War at the Battle of Cape St. Vincent (1780). His service took him to the West Indies and North America, and he became a close friend of the famed Horatio Nelson. Promoted to Rear-Admiral in 1790, his active command was limited by the peace following the American War of Independence, though he later served as Lord High Admiral in 1827-28. For two decades, he lived with the actress Dorothea Jordan at Bushy House, with whom he had ten illegitimate children, the FitzClarence family.

Reign

He became king in 1830 during a period of intense agitation for political reform. His reign was dominated by the crisis over the Reform Act 1832, which he eventually supported, persuading reluctant peers in the House of Lords by threatening to create new pro-reform peers. This pivotal act reshaped the Parliamentary system by redistributing seats and extending the franchise. His premierships included those of Earl Grey and Lord Melbourne. Other significant legislation included the Slavery Abolition Act 1833 and the Factory Act of 1833. His relationship with the Whigs was often smoother than with the Tories, and he dissolved Parliament in 1831, triggering the "Reform Election" that gave Grey a mandate.

Personal life and character

In 1818, he married Adelaide of Saxe-Meiningen; their two legitimate daughters, Princess Charlotte of Clarence and Princess Elizabeth of Clarence, died in infancy. His informal, blunt manner, developed during his naval years, earned him public popularity. He was known for walking unaccompanied in London and for his dislike of pomp and ceremony, a stark contrast to George IV's extravagance. His residence, Clarence House, was named for his title. Despite his earlier relationship with Dorothea Jordan, his marriage to Queen Adelaide was devoted, and she was a stabilizing influence. He suffered from declining health in his final years, with asthma and cirrhosis noted as contributing factors.

Legacy

His most enduring legacy is his crucial role in securing the passage of the Reform Act 1832, a landmark in British democratic development. His death in 1837 led to the accession of his niece, Victoria, ending the personal union with Hanover due to Salic law, which passed to his brother Ernest Augustus. The period of his rule is sometimes called the "Williamite Era" and is viewed as a transitional bridge between the Georgian era and the Victorian era. His support for reform helped preserve the monarchy's relevance during a time of potential revolution, echoing events like the July Revolution in France. Numerous institutions bear his name, including King William's College on the Isle of Man and William IV Street in London.

Category:House of Hanover Category:British monarchs Category:Lords High Admiral