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Queen Anne

Queen Anne (1665–1714) was the last Stuart monarch and ruled England, Scotland, and Ireland from 1702 to 1707, then Great Britain and Ireland from 1707 until her death.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Queen Anne (1665–1714) was the last Stuart monarch and ruled England, Scotland, and Ireland from 1702 to 1707, then Great Britain and Ireland from 1707 until her death. Her reign included the Acts of Union 1707, which united England and Scotland into the Kingdom of Great Britain.

Early life

Anne was born in London in 1665, the daughter of James, Duke of York, later James II, and Anne Hyde. She was a younger daughter of the future king and grew up within the royal court.

Reign

Anne became queen in 1702 and ruled through major political changes, including the War of the Spanish Succession. Her reign relied heavily on ministers and saw the growth of parliamentary monarchy.

Acts of Union 1707

A defining event of Anne’s reign was the union of England and Scotland in 1707. This created the Kingdom of Great Britain and made Anne the first sovereign of the new state.

Legacy

Anne’s reign ended the Stuart dynasty and opened the way for the Hanoverian era. She is remembered for the union of the kingdoms and for ruling during a period of constitutional change.

Key facts

  • Anne was the last monarch of the House of Stuart.
  • She acceded to the throne in 1702 after the death of William III.
  • The Acts of Union 1707 united England and Scotland during her reign.
  • She is regarded as the first sovereign of Great Britain after the union.
  • Her reign is associated with the War of the Spanish Succession and the transition to the Hanoverian succession.
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Canadian context

Queen Anne is relevant to Canadian readers through the British monarchy’s historical role in the colonial era and the constitutional traditions inherited by Canada.

Frequently asked questions

Who was Queen Anne?
Queen Anne was the last Stuart monarch and queen of England, Scotland, and Ireland, later Great Britain and Ireland, from 1702 until 1714.
When was Queen Anne born?
She was born on 6 February 1665 in London, England.
When did Queen Anne become queen?
Anne became queen in 1702 after the death of William III.
What was the Acts of Union 1707?
It was the legislation that united England and Scotland into the Kingdom of Great Britain during Anne’s reign.
Who succeeded Queen Anne?
She was succeeded by George I, Elector of Hanover.
When did Queen Anne die?
Anne died in London on 1 August 1714.

References

  1. Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/biography/Anne-queen-of-Great-Britain-and-Ireland
    Supports: Birth, death, reign dates, and status as last Stuart monarch.
  2. The National Archives (UK) — https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/education/resources/queen-anne/
    Supports: Reign, succession, and the Acts of Union 1707.
  3. Historic Royal Palaces — https://www.hrp.org.uk/kensington-palace/history-and-stories/queen-anne/
    Supports: Parentage, reign significance, union of England and Scotland, and constitutional context.
  4. History Extra — https://www.historyextra.com/period/stuart/queen-anne-facts-life-favourites-duchess-marlborough-union-england-scotland/
    Supports: Birth, death, reign dates, successor, and major achievements.
  5. BBC History — https://www.bbc.co.uk/history/historic_figures/anne.shtml
    Supports: Status as last Stuart monarch and first sovereign of Great Britain.