William IV was King of Great Britain, Ireland and Hanover from 1830 to 1837. He was known as the 'Sailor King' and was born at Buckingham Palace on August 21 1765 the son of George the Third. He joined the navy at the age of 14 and served in America and the West Indies. He was promoted through the ranks to Admiral of the Fleet and eventually became Lord High Admiral. He became king at the age of 64 when his older brother George IV died in June 1830. He married Adelaide in 1792 but lived with Mrs.Jordan who bore him 10 children. It was said he had more bastards than baths in his palace and was given to riding around in his carriage making his presence known to the ordinary people. He is remembered for reforming the House of Commons in 1832. He died aged 71 of pneumonia on the 20th June 1837 at Windsor Castle (which is where he is buried) leaving no legitimate children. He was succeeded by his niece Victoria who was not eligible to rule Hanover.