William IV (b.1765 r.1830-1837) - Explore-Parliament.net

cheap holiday packages Book cheap package holidays to a massive selection of resorts in destinations worldwide	Cotswold cottages >> Stay in one of the finest and most picturesque villages in the Cotswold. Book your cottage here.	Cheap Flights to Malta Dealchecker.co.uk has great deals on cheap flights to Malta. You could be on your way to bagging yourself the king of cheap holidays to this Med destination.	Cheap Flights to Singapore Find the cheap flights to Singapore that you have been trying to find on the Dealchecker.co.uk.'s online search...	Cheap Holiday Europe Does a cheap holiday in Europe sound very good? Well checks out the BeatTheBrochure deals and save!	Organic restaurants London Wondering what the options for organic restaurants in London are? Check out the options posted on Qype.
Tenerife Holidays Tenerife is one of the last remaining European paradise islands. You can book great cheap holidays at On The Beach.	sun holidays Check out Sun holidays on ulookubook.com for lazy days on the beach, family fun, romance, great water sports and eating out in lovely restaurants.	Holidays to the Dominican Republic Great holiday packages to be found to get to the Dominican Republic.Including flights, transport etc	Galleries London Looking for art in London? Find out what's on where and for how much on Qype.	London Eating London Eating. The London Restaurant Guide come and find some great places to dine.

William IV (b.1765 r.1830-1837)
© 2007 Armchair Travel Co. Ltd. - This page may be used for non-commercial purposes ONLY!

William IV (b.1765 r.1830-1837)

[ Play Narrated Movie ] [ Virtual Tour ] [ Main Topics Index ]

William IV ascended the throne in 1830 on the death of his brother George IV. He was nicknamed 'The Sailor King', and 'Silly Billy', but was a very popular King with ordinary people, and served to restore faith in the monarchy after the unpopularity of the Georges. He reigned until 1837.

He is an immense improvement on the last unforgiving animal [George IV]. This man at least wishes to make everybody happy.
- Emily Eden, Letter, August 1830.

(2) William IV (b.1765 r.1830-1837)

Additional Information on
William IV (b.1765 r.1830-1837)

George IV was succeeded by his younger brother William, otherwise known as the 'Sailor King', or 'Silly Billy' (for his lack of intelligence). William had served widely in the navy and had been a sailor since the age of thirteen. He came to the throne unexpectedly at the age of sixty four. There was concern that he was not fit for the task, but William acquitted himself well. He hated pomp and ceremony and so his sensible behaviour was a refreshing change. He insisted on a coronation that cost one tenth of his brother's - also endearing him to the public.

William showed enough sense to accept advice from his ministers rather than quarrel with them. He tried to hold on to what little power the sovereign had and opposed the Reform Bills of 1831-1832 which tried to abolish their power completely. However, riots followed and in 1833 William gave in, thus losing the last remnants of power. This highlighted the early pressures of a modern age, and the evolvement of British democracy.

William had married late in life, in 1818, due to financial difficulties. Before this he had lived in bliss for twenty years with his mistress, the actress Dorothea Jordan, who bore him ten illegitimate children. None of his legitimate children lived for more than a few hours.

QUOTATION

Although if he had been false, able and artful he might have caused more perplexity to his Whig government... it is perhaps fortunate for the country, and certainly happy for his reputation, that his virtues thus predominated over his talents.
- Charles Greville, Diary 24 July 1837.

Explore-Parliament.net: Advanced Category Search

Keyword Categories:
_King
_Royal_Family
_Man
_Person
_Object_Painting
_Object_Artwork
_Object_Portrait
_Artist_Beechey
_William_IV_