The Last Stuarts and the Death of the Royal Powerhouse

In his short reign James II built a surprising amount, including a large royal chapel - the architectural symbol of his conversion to Roman Catholicism. His successors William and Mary were great builders too, but in an entirely different vein. William did not want a grand monarchical court set in vast places, he began to set the monarchy on a different trajectory. By the time George I came to the throne in 1714 the process was complete and royal palaces were ornamental additions to the British state rather than the seat of power and influence that they had been for more than a thousand years.