Here are some facts about Queen Anne.
- Queen Anne reigned from March 1702 to May 1707. In the year that she died, the kingdoms of England and Scotland were united as a single kingdom and this is often seen as her biggest achievement.
- Anne was born in London in 1655. At an early age she had smallpox and she also suffered from excessive watering of the eyes and was sent to France to have treatment.
- She became pregnant 17 times, although only gave birth 5 times to children who all died during childbirth. She believed God was punishing her.
- Queen Anne had a close friendship with Sarah Churchill, a childhood friend. Sarah was given several important positions including Lady of the Bedchamber and Mistress of the Robes.
- Anne became Queen in 1702, after the death of William III, and she became the first monarch of a united Great Britain. For the first time, the flag and coins represented both England and Scotland.
- Soon after Anne became Queen, a war with Spain began which occupied much of her time. The war involved several European countries, as well as the British colonies in America.
- Queen Anne suffered from gout, especially during her later years. She often used a wheelchair, drove a one horse carriage or was carried around in a sedan chair by servants.
- During Anne’s reign, political parties became more important. There were two main parties, the Tories who supported the Monarchy, and the Whigs who believed the Monarch’s role should be more limited.
- Despite her failing health, she was able to attend late night Parliament meetings.
- Queen Anne died in 1714 and was buried in Westminster Abbey beside her family.
- Anne has given her name to a distinctive style of furniture that became popular during her reign. Features included curved legs, wing back chairs and writing desks.
