William III of Orange, who was married to Mary II, the daughter of James II, set forth from the Dutch port of Hellevoetsluis with ambitions to claim the English throne. The backdrop to this audacious expedition lay in the unrest surrounding King James II's rule, characterized by his increasingly authoritarian governance and Catholic sympathies. As a Protestant and a staunch opponent of absolutism, William viewed James's reign as a direct threat to the Protestant establishment and the rights of English subjects. Hence, in pursuit of these concerns, William assembled a coalition that included influential English political figures disenchanted with James II's administration.

With a fleet of approximately 463 ships and around 14,000 troops, William's expedition was one of large scale and significant military intent. The preparation for the invasion had been shrouded in secrecy, and it was remarkably well-organized. Upon arriving in England, William's forces would face minimal resistance, a reflection of the discontent many felt toward the sitting king. His landing was meticulously planned to ensure a swift advance inland to London, where support for his cause was anticipated. This moment would ultimately serve as a catalyst for the Glorious Revolution and the subsequent establishment of constitutional monarchy in England, marking a pivotal transition in British politics.