THE REVOLUTION
William's invasion of England was by no means a 
foregone conclusion. James had superior forces, and 
William was initially driven back by bad weather. On 
1st November, however, a favourable wind drove the 
Dutch fleet along the Channel to Torbay, and kept 
James' fleet in the Thames Estuary. Having landed, he 
found time was on his side: James' indecisiveness and 
erratic behaviour prevented him from engaging the enemy. 
Deserted by many of his commanders, James returned to London 
and attempted a political solution. But the cause was lost. 

Advised by William to leave London 'for his own safety' James left for France on 22nd December. Meanwhile, William had entered London - and immediately summoned the Lords to advise him on how best to create a free Parliament.