Rajib 2

Queen Anne (1702-1714)
★ After the death of William III in 1702, Queen Anne, a daughter of James
II, ascended the throne of England. Queen Anne became Queen of England and
Ireland on 8 March 1702. Her title was purely parliamentary. She was born in 6
February 1665. Queen Anne was a kind and good – natured lady, but narrow,
obstinate and dull. Anne’s political sympathies were in the side of the Tories. In
religious matters she sympathized with the High Churchman. She was opposed to
the Dissenters. She was ruled by her friend the “Duchess of Marlborough “, a
cleverer woman than herself. The queen and Duchess called each other “Mrs.
Morley” and “Mrs. Freeman.” The results were that the Duke of Marlborough
became supreme in the affairs of England. He was a Tory but he was in favor of
war.
The most Important event of the reign of Queen Anne was the war of Spanish
Succession which practically occupied the whole of her reign. According to Prof.
G.M. Trevelyan, “The war of the Spanish Succession (1701-1713) is the only
example in history of a struggle between the principle powers.”
On 1 May1707, under the Acts of Union 1707, England and Scotland were united
as a single sovereign state, the Kingdom of Great Britain. Anne became the first
sovereign, while continuing to hold the separate crown of Queen of Ireland and
the title of Queen of France.
Her life was marked by many crises, both personal and relating to succession of
the Crown and religious polarization. Because, she died without surviving issue.
Anne was the last monarch of the House of Stuart.
According to Churchill, “Thus ended one of the greatest reigns in English history. It
had been rendered glorious by Marlborough victories and guidance. The union
and greatness of the Island had been established.
Anne reigned for twelve years until her death in August 1714. Anne was therefore
the last Queen of England and the last Queen of Scots.
Studies in English History

The Age of Chaucer (1340-1400)
► Geoffrey Chaucer is a great figure in English literature. He is a great
poet in middle English period. The age of Chaucer is called medieval because it
was age of war, love and religion. Chaucer is known as the father of English
poetry. This does not mean that there was no point of poetry in England. The
other poet’s poetry was little read and enjoyed but Chaucer’s is famous for his
work the – “Canterbury Tales.” His date of birth is uncertain but now is accepted
as in 1340 in the Vintry, the Vintrer’s street in London’s Walled city. His father
was a prosperous wine merchant, who might have supplied the cellers of the King
(Edward III), and therefore was able to bring his son to royal notice.
At a young age, Chaucer served as a page to Elizabeth, Countess of Ulsten and
wife of Lionel, Edward III’s third son. Chaucer primarily obtained his education at
the Court and learnt French and Latin there. 9n 1359, of 19, he accompanied
Lionel- the Duke of Clarence on a Military campaign to France. At the age where
he was taken prisons.
Around 1366, Chaucer married Philippa de Roet, daughter of the Flemish Sir Gilies
de Roet. Her sister Katharine was for many years’ mistress and later the third wife
of John of Gaunt, another of the sons of Edward III and a powerful patron.
Chaucer is known as the father of English poetry. In 1369\, Chaucer was asked by
John of Gaunt to compose a memorial poem written in English poetry. There are
three reasons to call him father of English poetry.
1. His contribution to the development of English poetry.
2. His contribution to the development of English language in a poetry.
3. Use of variations and style in English poetry.
His works fall into three periods. Chaucer wrote numerous poems which is spread
all over the world. They are as follows:
1. The French period.
2. The Italian period.
3. The English period.

► 1. The French period: In the first period he was influenced by French literature
and his poems are modelled upon the French originals.
Some of his notable poems are:
i) Roman de la Rose: It was his early French model especially the Romance
of the rose.
ii) The book of Duchess: The book of Duchess as allegorical elegy written in
1369 on the death of Duchess Blanche, wife of John of Gaunt.
► 2. The Italians period: In the second period he was influenced Italian literature.
The main poems of this period are:
i) The House of Fame.
ii) The parliament of Fowls.
iii) Troilus and Criseyde.
► 3. The English period: In the third period he was influenced by English
literature. It was the most important period because his master piece “The
Canterbury Tales”, one of the greatest poems in all literature was written during
this time.
Some of the important poems are:
i) The Canterbury Tales
ii) The legends of Good Women
Chaucer starts his career by following the traditions of “Courtly love”, “allegory
“and “dream poetry.” Chaucer is the first humorous in English literature. Humous
is the life soul of his works. Most of his works is allegorical. Chaucer is also called
the father of English language. Because he is the first great poets of England. He
became the founder of modern English poetry. He used in his own native English
language poetry. He died in 25th October 1400 in London.

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Queen Anne (1702-1714)

Studies in English History

Studies in English History

Studies in English History

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