William IV of Great Britain (r. 1830-1837) succeeded his elder brother George IV of Great Britain (r. 1820-1830) to become the fifth Hanoverian monarch. William had a successful naval career, and his reign is best remembered for the democratic reforms initiated by the 1832 Reform Act. He was succeeded by his niece, Queen Victoria of Great Britain (r. 1837-1901).
More about: William IV of Great BritainDefinition
Timeline
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21 Aug 1765Prince William, future William IV of Great Britain, is born in Buckingham Palace.
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1778Prince William, future William IV of Great Britain, joins the Royal Navy.
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1789Prince William, future William IV of Great Britain, is made the Duke of Clarence.
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1811William, Duke of Clarence, achieves the rank of Rear-Admiral.
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1817The daughter and only legitimate heir of William, Duke of Clarence dies.
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11 Jul 1818Prince William, future William IV Great Britain, marries Adelaide of Saxe-Meiningen.
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1827 - 1828William, Duke of Clarence, is made Lord High Admiral.
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1830 - 1837Reign of William IV of Great Britain.
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26 Jun 1830George IV of Great Britain dies of illness at Windsor Castle.
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8 Sep 1831The coronation ceremony of William IV of Great Britain is held in Westminster Abbey.
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1832The Reform Act increases the democratic base and political representation in Britain.
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1833The Slavery Abolition Act abolishes slavery in most of the British Empire (but not India).
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16 Oct 1834A great fire destroys the Houses of Parliament in London.
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20 Jun 1837William IV of Great Britain dies of cirrhosis of the liver and pneumonia.
