List of Privy Counsellors (1679–1714)

The period between 1679 and 1714 saw significant changes in the composition and influence of the Privy Council of England, and later Great Britain after the Acts of Union in 1707. This list comprises individuals who served as members of the Privy Council during the reigns of Charles II (from 1679, the Exclusion Crisis onwards), James II, William III, and Queen Anne.

The Privy Council was a body of advisors to the monarch. Its membership fluctuated based on political considerations, court factions, and the monarch's personal preferences. The council held considerable power, advising the monarch on matters of state, issuing orders in council, and overseeing the administration of the realm.

Key events affecting the composition and influence of the Privy Council during this period included:

• The Exclusion Crisis (1679-1681): The attempts to exclude James, Duke of York (later James II) from the succession led to political upheaval and changes in the council's membership.
• The reign of James II (1685-1688): James II’s Catholic faith and policies caused dissent, impacting council appointments and leading to the Glorious Revolution.
• The Glorious Revolution (1688): The deposition of James II and the accession of William III and Mary II resulted in a significant overhaul of the Privy Council.
• The reign of William III (1689-1702): William III favored smaller, more efficient advisory bodies, leading to a decline in the overall influence of the full Privy Council and the rise of inner cabinets.
• The reign of Queen Anne (1702-1714): Anne continued the trend towards smaller, more powerful advisory committees within the council, and the Acts of Union in 1707 led to the creation of a Privy Council of Great Britain, incorporating members from Scotland.

A comprehensive list of Privy Counsellors from this period would include names from diverse backgrounds, including leading politicians, peers, bishops, military figures, and legal experts. The specific individuals appointed reflected the shifting political landscape and the monarchs' evolving priorities. Detailed records of Privy Council appointments are often found in historical archives, parliamentary records, and biographical dictionaries of the period. Knowing the composition of the Privy Council at specific times helps to understand the political and social forces shaping policy decisions in England and Great Britain during this pivotal era.