Who reigned before Queen Victoria? The British monarchy saw a series of remarkable reigns that laid the foundation for the Victorian era. To understand the era that Queen Victoria would come to define, it is essential to explore the monarchs who preceded her on the throne.
Queen Victoria ascended to the throne on June 20, 1837, following the death of her uncle, King William IV. Her reign lasted until her death on January 22, 1901, making it the longest in British history. However, Queen Victoria was not the first monarch to rule during the 19th century.
The reign that preceded Queen Victoria was that of her uncle, King William IV. William IV, born William Henry, was the third son of King George III and Queen Charlotte. He was a controversial figure, as he was never meant to inherit the throne. His father, George III, had nine children, but his eldest son, George, Prince of Wales, died prematurely, leaving the second son, William, as the next in line.
King William IV’s reign was brief, lasting only seven years from 1830 to 1837. He was known for his extravagance and lack of political acumen. His reign was marked by the Reform Act of 1832, which was the first major piece of legislation to be passed during his rule. This act reformed the British electoral system, expanding the electorate and reducing the influence of the House of Lords.
Before King William IV, the throne was held by King George IV, who reigned from 1820 to 1830. George IV was the son of King George III and Queen Charlotte, and he was also a third son. His reign was tumultuous, characterized by his extravagant lifestyle and numerous debts. He was known for his wit and charm but was also criticized for his lack of interest in politics and his excessive spending.
To delve further into the British monarchy before Queen Victoria, we must look back to King George III, who reigned from 1760 to 1820. George III was the longest-reigning British monarch until Queen Victoria surpassed his record. His reign was marked by the American Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars. George III was also known for his mental illness, which eventually led to his son, George IV, becoming the Regent during the final years of his reign.
The reigns of these monarchs set the stage for the rise of Queen Victoria, who would come to define the Victorian era. Understanding the history of these monarchs is crucial to appreciate the context and legacy of Queen Victoria’s reign.
