William and Mary refers to the joint reign of King William III and Queen Mary II of England, Scotland, and Ireland from 1689 to 1702. They came to power after the Glorious Revolution, which saw the overthrow of King James II. Their rule is significant for establishing constitutional monarchy and promoting parliamentary power. The College of William & Mary, founded in 1693 in Williamsburg, Virginia, is the second-oldest institution of higher education in the United States. It was established to educate clergy and has since evolved into a comprehensive university known for its strong liberal arts programs and historical significance.