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.