Previous king: Charles II (brother) Reigned: 1685-1688 Next monarchs: William III and Mary II (Mary was James's daughter)
James II was a Roman Catholic. This made him unpopular. In 1685, there was a rebellion by the Duke of Monmouth (see left), but he was defeated at the Battle of Sedgemoor. His supporters were brutally punished by Judge Jeffreys. James appointed Roman Catholics to important posts.