The Convention Parliament gathered in January 1689 shortly after the dramatic flight of King James II to France, a defining moment that escalated the tensions between monarchists and Parliamentarians. James II had sought to maintain his Catholic reign in Protestant England, which led to growing dissatisfaction and ultimately the Glorious Revolution. With William of Orange's arrival and subsequent invitation to assume the throne, the Parliament faced the critical task of determining the legitimacy of James's rule and the succession plan. The debates that occurred during this parliamentary session were deeply rooted in religious and political beliefs, revealing the rift within English society regarding monarchy versus parliamentary authority.

A crucial aspect of these discussions revolved around the implications of James II's Catholicism and its threat to the Protestant establishment. The Convention ultimately needed to consider whether a king who abandoned his kingdom during a time of crisis could still be regarded as the legitimate sovereign. This situation set in motion the potential exclusion of Catholics from the throne, thus feeding into a broader narrative of religious conflict in Britain. The outcome of the Convention's decisions would have lasting repercussions on the monarchy and its relationship with Parliament and establish precedents for future governance.

As the Convention Parliament convened, its members included prominent individuals from both the Whig and Tory factions, reflecting the diverse interests at stake. The discussions were heated, and the tension was palpable as factions vied for control and influence over the future of England. Ultimately, their resolution signaled a significant shift, capable of redefining the monarchy's power and laying the groundwork for constitutional monarchy. The significance of this Convention would echo in the annals of British history as a pivotal moment in the evolution of parliamentary democracy and the relationship between the crown and its subjects.