The last Roman Catholic King of England was James II, who ascended to the throne in 1685. James II was a devout Catholic and faced significant opposition from Protestant factions in England during his reign. His attempts to promote Catholicism and grant religious freedom to Catholics led to widespread discontent among the English people. Despite his efforts to consolidate his power and promote his religious beliefs, James II's reign was marked by political turmoil and unrest. His controversial policies, such as appointing Catholics to key positions of power and suspending laws that discriminated against Catholics, alienated many of his subjects. James II's downfall came in 1688 when his Protestant daughter Mary and her husband William of Orange staged a successful coup known as the Glorious Revolution. James II was forced to flee to France, and William and Mary were crowned as joint monarchs of England. Following his exile, James II continued to claim the English throne and sought support from Catholic powers in Europe. However, his attempts to regain the throne were ultimately unsuccessful, and he died in exile in 1701. The reign of James II marked a significant turning point in English history, as it solidified the Protestant dominance in the country and led to the passing of the Bill of Rights in 1689, which limited the powers of the monarchy and affirmed the rights of Parliament. Despite his controversial reign, James II remains a figure of interest and debate among historians and scholars. His legacy is a complex one, as he is remembered both as a staunch defender of his Catholic faith and as a king whose policies sparked a revolution that reshaped the English monarchy. To learn more about James II and the events of his reign, you can visit websites such as [URL1] for in-depth articles and analysis. Additionally, [URL2] offers a detailed overview of the Glorious Revolution and its impact on English history. In conclusion, James II was the last Roman Catholic King of England whose reign was marked by religious conflict and political upheaval. His legacy continues to be a subject of study and debate among historians and scholars.

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