1539 - 1692

Key dates 1539 - 1672

In 1687, Mary of Modena, the wife of King James II, unable to conceive a male heir, was recommended by her physician to take the waters in the Cross Bath. The treatment was successful - Mary became pregnant soon afterwards.

The consequences for the Royal couple, however, were less positive than they might have hoped. The prospect of a Catholic succession provoked the 'Glorious Revolution' and the miraculously conceived son spent his life in exile as the Old Pretender.