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William II of the Netherlands

The Hague, 6 Dec 1792 – Tilburg, 17 Mar 1849

11 facts3 sources

Facts and their sources

A life in time

  1. 6 Dec 1792

    Born in The Hague

  2. 1817–1824

    5 children are born

  3. 1840–1849

    Monarch of Luxembourg

  4. 1840–1849

    King of the Netherlands

  5. 17 Mar 1849

    Dies in Tilburg, aged 56

Family

See the tree

Parents

Partner

Children · 5

During his lifetime

He lived through 6 decades. Pick one to hear and see what it was like around The Hague.

General history, not a record about the family: each item says where it comes from.

The 1790s · William II is born in The Hague

In the news1795

The Batavian Revolution occurs

French troops invaded, Stadtholder William V fled to England, and the Batavian Republic was proclaimed, ending the old regime.

What people wore

Hidden pockets for personal items

Working-class women used a pocket called a dijzak, a linen or cotton bag (15 x 30 cm) tied around the waist under their skirts, to carry items like money or handkerchiefs. Access to these items was gained through slits in the skirts.

Getting around

Food and candy on the Texel route

On the Amsterdam-Texel barge route, travelers were served bread with cheese and drinks to prevent seasickness, while popular 'babbelijnen' candies were also transported in large quantities. The captain ensured that passengers were not mistreated, and service was strictly regulated by the government.

The French Revolution. Parisians stormed the Bastille in 1789; the monarchy fell, the king was executed, and “liberty, equality, fraternity” spread across Europe.In Europe · 1789–1799

The French Revolution. Parisians stormed the Bastille in 1789; the monarchy fell, the king was executed, and “liberty, equality, fraternity” spread across Europe.

Unidentified painter · public domain

In the news1799

Dissolution of the old provinces

The historic provincial system was formally dissolved, replacing the old provinces with new administrative departments named after local rivers.

Music

Revolutionary dancing and bell ringing

During the 1795 revolutionary celebrations, children and adults danced together around freedom trees to music, including the popular French-inspired tune La Carmagnole. Revolutionary festivities were often strictly directed by local authorities and featured loud, coordinated bell-ringing to stir emotion.

Daily life

Multipurpose living in small homes

Ordinary homes often consisted of a single room used for all daily activities, including cooking, working, living, and sleeping, with residents frequently sleeping in built-in wall beds to save space. Floors were often made of flagstones and walls were whitewashed, offering little luxury or comfort.