British history, heritage, Hanover : VisitBritain

The Hanovers (1714 - 1901)

George III (1760 - 1820)

George III, of Dutch-German origin was born in Britain with English as his first language. He was the third British monarch of the House of Hanover and it was during Georges reign that Britain lost many of its colonies in North America, which later became the United States.

George was one of the most cultured monarchs, starting a royal collection of books (later given to the British Museum (www.thebritishmuseum.ac.uk/)) and founding the Royal Academy of Arts (www.royalacademy.org.uk/). Examples of his collection of scientific instruments can be seen in the Science Museum (www.sciencemuseum.org.uk). Known has 'Farmer George' after his interest in agriculture, the crown estates flourished at Richmond and Windsor during his reign.

Victoria (1837 - 1901)

Victoria was born at Kensington Palace (www.historicroyalpalaces.org/webcode/content.asp?ID=35) in 1819. She ascended the throne aged just 18 and went on to become the longest serving British monarch, her reign lasting more than sixty-three years. The Victorian Era was at the height of the industrial revolution, which saw huge social, economic and technological changes in Britain.

Victoria was a celebrated queen and become a symbol of the British Empire. She died in 1901 at Osborne House (www.english-heritage.org.uk/server/show/ConProperty.205) on the Isle of Wight and was buried in Frogmore (www.royal.gov.uk/output/page558.asp) Royal Mausoleum at Windsor beside Prince Albert. The door is inscribed with Victoria’s words: 'farewell best beloved, here at last I shall rest with thee, with thee in Christ I shall rise again'.

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