William IV

William IV (1765-1837), King of Britain, b. Buckingham Palace, London.

William succeeded his unpopular brother, George IV, in 1830. He was nicknamed the 'Sailor King'.

He had spent his life in the Royal Navy and had risen to the rank of Lord High Admiral.

William supported the Reform Act of 1832 which helped to improve Parliament and led to the passing of many more important acts. These included the Factory Act of 1833 which stopped children under nine years old working in factories.

See Anne Somerset Life and Times of William IV (Kings & Queens)