Several questions will help us get to know the four King Georges (Kings George?) who ruled Britain from 1714 to 1830.

Question 1: How did these guys come to rule England?
Answer: Parliament insisted on a Protestant heir, and after the death of Queen Anne it turned out George of Hanover got the job.

Question 2: What was George I like as a King of England?
Answer: Not good! He preferred Hanover and spoke little English, making him unpopular. His scandalous treatment of his wife didn't help his reputation in England. He had a terrible relationship with his son and heir.

Question 3: So was George II any better?
Answer: Not really! He had a terrible relationship with his father AND with his son. His son died before he did, so George II left the crown to his grandson.

Question 4: What’s the real deal with George III? 
Answer: Well, he'll never be a hero to Americans, but he was the best of the Georges. Still, many were relieved when he went completely mad and retired from public life.

Question 5: Prince Regent? What’s that? Who is the King?
Answer: Prince George (yes, another one) ruled in behalf of his father, George III, as Prince Regent. He lived a scandalous life and was obese and sick by the time he finally became King George IV. His only child preceded him in death, so the crown passed to his brother William.

And that's the end of the Georgians!

Support the show

History reveals what's possible.