The Queen Dowager's had also the glory of being in the line of circumvallation at the siege of _Namur_, and at the reduction of that fortress in August, 1695, which event was looked upon as one of the greatest in King William's military life. _Namur_ was so well furnished and prepared for this attack, and so well situated, that the attempt to reduce it was considered one of the utmost temerity. It was defended by 15,000 chosen men, and commanded by a Marshal of France (Boufflers) who 'made the point one of the King's glory.' He was, however, forced to capitulate, after losing nearly two-thirds of his garrison, and the place was occupied by King William within two months from his investing it. On this occasion Colonel Selwyn, commanding the Queen's, was promoted to the rank of Brigadier-General. [Sidenote: 1696] In the winter of 1695-6, the king of France assembled an army near Calais, for a descent upon England in favour of King James, who had privately concerted measures for a rebellion in this country, and had sent the Duke of Berwick with a number of officers in disguise, through whose persuasions 2000 men were prepared to rise, at a moment's notice, under the directions of Sir John Fenwick[18]; at the same time a conspiracy was formed in London for the assassination of King William, and fifty men were engaged and prepared with arms to commit the diabolical act. The Queen Dowager's and several other regiments were immediately ordered to England to resist the threatened invasion. The plot was, however, discovered; many of the conspirators were apprehended and executed; and the designs of the enemy frustrated. [Sidenote: 1697] The regiment remained in England until the summer of 1697, when it again proceeded to the Netherlands, joined the army encamped before Brussels on the 14th of July, and on the 16th was reviewed by his Majesty. This war was terminated in September by the Peace of Ryswick; and the regiment returned to England the same year. The establishment of the regiment after the peace was 44 officers, and 884 non-commissioned officers and men. [Sidenote: 1701] On the 28th of June, 1701, General Selwyn exchanged from the Queen's to the 22nd Regiment of Foot, with Sir Henry Bellasis, Kt. The throne of Spain having become vacant by the death of King Charles II., which took place in 1701, the Duke of Anjou was crowned king, under the title of Philip V., and was supported by his grandfather Louis XIV. of France. The conduct of France alarmed the other Powers of Europe, and the death of the late King of England, James II., having taken place at St. Germains on the 16th of September, 1701, the resentment of England against France was further called forth by Louis XIV. having proclaimed his son, (the pretended Prince of Wales) King of England, Scotland, and Ireland, and having also influenced Spain to concur in the same affront and indignity. [Sidenote: 1702]