In orthodox interpretations of English history, the revolution of 1688 occupies a special place, as a landmark in the history of English liberty, when the victory of Protestantism and progress was assured by the flight of James II and the peaceful accession of William of Orange and Mary, James II's daughter. In the wake of revolution came a Toleration Act allowing dissenters to erect their own places of worship. Though it was not clear at the time, divine right monarchy had given way to parliamentary sovereignty. In due course, the revolution acquired its permanent appellation of ‘Glorious’.

In the context of the British Isles, however, the Glorious Revolution takes on a more complex colouring. It was, in the first place, by no means bloodless, nor was its success inevitable. The future of the revolution in Scotland was still in doubt after the battle of Killiecrankie (1689) which was won by James II's supporters, though the effect of the victory was destroyed by the death of their leader, Claverhouse. In 1715 the revolution, though buttressed now by the Act of Union (1707), was challenged again when the Old Pretender, James VIII, landed in Scotland. Not until after the battle of Culloden (1746) can it be said that the regime set up in 1689 was secure. In Ireland, the fate of the Stuart cause was unclear until after the battle of the Boyne in July 1690 and perhaps not until the surrender of Limerick to Williamite forces a year later.