Settlers had long found the Rappahannock River area attractive. The county of this name, established in 1656, and lying on both sides of the river, had grown steadily and its population was sufficient to support two county governments. It was enacted that the river be the dividing line, "that part which is now on the north side thereof be called and known by the name Richmond County and that that which is now on the south side thereof be called and known by the name of Essex County." It was further ordered "that the records belonging to the county court of Rappahannock before this division be kept in Essex County, that belonging wholly to their majesties and the other to the proprietors of the North Neck." This was a seemingly casual reference to the grant Charles II had made to some of his supporters while he was in exile and had confirmed on his coming to the throne; it comprised over five million acres lying between the Potomac and Rappahannock Rivers from their headsprings to the Chesapeake Bay. Not until the colony became independent was the Proprietary abolished.
In 1702 another division was created. The land lying between the Pamunkey and Mattaponi Rivers, known as Pamunkey Neck was taken from King and Queen and became King William County. This honored the reigning monarch, King William, now a widower since the death of Queen Mary in 1694.
King William died the same year his namesake county was formed and his sister-in-law, Queen Anne came to the throne. The first county formed thereafter honored her husband, the Prince Consort, George of Denmark. The new county, Prince George, embraced that portion of Charles City lying on the south side of James River. The estate, "Brandon," and the third oldest church building in Virginia known as Merchants Hope, are within its confines.
After a reign of twelve years Queen Anne died and the Elector of Hanover ascended the throne as King George I of England. Several years before this, the Tangier-born Alexander Spotswood was appointed Lieutenant Governor of Virginia and took up his residence in Williamsburg. Williamsburg had become the capital in 1699. It was on higher land than malarial Jamestown and a more healthful place to live.