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The Great British Collection

George II

Full name:  George II

Born:  30th October 1683

Place of Birth:  Herrenhausen Gardens, Hanover, Germany

Ascended to the throne:  11th June 1727, aged 43 years

Crowned:  11th October 1727, at Westminster Abbey

Reign:  33 years

Died:  25th October 1760, Kensington Palace, London

George was born 10th November 1683, the only son of the elector of Hanover.

In 1705, he married Princess Caroline of Brandenburg-Ansbach.

In 1714, he became Prince of Wales when his father acceded to the British throne.

George's father was disliked throughout England, and people soon formed around George in opposition to his father's rule.

Robert Walpole, who was the first Prime Minister during George I's rule, tried to encourage a reconciliation between father and son, but this meant he fell out of favour with the prince.

When George II succeeded to the throne in 1727, it was only Caroline that kept Walpole in his position.

Many influential members of public and parliament supported Charles Edward Stuart's claim to the throne, but Walpole convinced them of George's legitimacy. As a result, Stuart was defeated in 1746 in the Battle of Culloden.

In 1743, at the age of 60, George became the last British sovereign to fight alongside his troops in the Battle of Dettingen.

During the last part of his reign, George lost interest in politics. England's involvement in the Seven Years' war, was largely down to William Pitt

George died 25th October 1760, leaving his grandson to inherit the throne.

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