We in America probably do not know a great deal about Queen Anne,
who ruled England from 1702-14.
She was to me a remarkable woman, and even after 300 years,
holds yet a very high bar for both women and men.
Despite illness and loss of 18 children (16 due to a congenital blood disorder, and two illness)
she managed to rise above it all, and not only unify England, Ireland and Scotland,
but to make her reign one of considerable overall progress.
Under her reign, Britain became a military power on land.
And the economic and political base for the 'golden age' of the 18th century was established.
Author David Green wrote,
"Hers was not, as used to be supposed, petticoat government.
She had considerable power; yet time and time again she had to capitulate."
"Still, Anne was often able to impose her will,
even though a woman in an age of male dominance." (Edward Gregg)
She is said to have attended more cabinet meetings than any of her predecessors or successors.
And the union of England and Scotland created Europe's largest free trade area.
The political and diplomatic achievements of Anne's governments,
and the absence of constitutional conflict between monarch and parliament during her reign,
indicate that she also chose ministers and exercised her prerogatives wisely.
These economic and political advancements that emerged,
due to the stability of Anne's reign, also set the stage for great advancement in the arts.
'In architecture, Sir John Vanbrugh constructed Blenheim Palace and Castle Howard.
Queen Anne style architecture and
Queen Anne style furniture were named after her.
Writers such as Daniel Defoe, Alexander Pope and Jonathan Swift flourished.
Henry Wise laid out new gardens at Blenheim, Kensington, Windsor and St James's.'
Queen Anne, despite her 17 pregnancies, died childless.
She was the last of the Stuart reign - the battle to regain that legacy being fought until 1746 -
and the sentiment remaining for many until this day.
Through Princess Diana's lineage,
the Stuart line continues in both Princes William and Harry.
Anne's legacy also continues in this spoon, bearing her Royal Cypher, Anne Rex.
Statue of Anne of Great Britain in front of the west facade St Paul's Cathedral
Around the base of this statue are 4 females, representing Britannia, France, Ireland,
and America - all nations over which Queen Anne had dominion as Sovereign.
This statue, over the years, has been a witness to many Royal and State occasion.
She was also a witness to the London Blitz. |