Anne (1665-1714) was the first queen of Britain, which was formed when the Kingdom of Scotland united with the Kingdom of England and Wales in 1707. She was also queen of Ireland. Anne was the last monarch of the royal family called the House of Stuart. She became pregnant at least 17 times and had 5 children, but none survived her. She was succeeded by her distant cousin George, Elector of Hanover.
Anne was born on Feb. 6, 1665, at Twickenham, near London. She was the second daughter of King James II and married Prince George of Denmark in 1683. She became queen in 1702, after the death of her brother-in-law William III, who left no heirs. During most of her reign, John Churchill, Duke of Marlborough, wielded much power. He was captain-general in the War of the Spanish Succession (1701-1714). His wife, Sarah, dominated Anne for years. Their interference made the court the scene of constant political intrigue.
Although Anne’s health was never good, she took an active part in public affairs. She often attended debates in the House of Lords and was particularly concerned with religious legislation. Anne’s reign is often said to mark the start of the Augustan Age, because the leaders of the times tried to reproduce in England the political stability and classical art of Rome under the Emperor Augustus. These leaders included the writers Alexander Pope, Jonathan Swift, Joseph Addison, and Richard Steele. Anne died on Aug. 4, 1714.
