WILLIAM AND MARY

a co-educational, state-supported university in Williamsburg, Virginia, USA. It was founded in 1693 by King William III (1650-1702) and Queen Mary II (1662-1694) of England for the purpose of developing clergymen and civil servants for the British colonies in America. It is the second oldest educational institution in the country and in 1779 became the first American college to offer training in the field of law. In more recent times the college offers studies in arts and sciences, business administration, law and marine science.