Pillar Nr. 5: The kings of the Hanoverian-British personal union

George I reigned for 13 years, but during that period, he visited his German domain only five times. His son George II (1683-1760) skilfully used his position as king and elector, and even in 1743 still personally fought victoriously in the battle of Dettingen. He founded the state university of Göttingen and visited the Electorate of Hannover twelve times. George III (1738-1820) was already born in England and felt completely British; he became king in 1760 and never honoured Hannover with a visit. George IV (1762-1830), who had an appreciation for art, had great influence on the architectural and furniture style around 1800 called "Regency". As prince regent, he reigned in place of his sick father from 1810 and became king in 1820. The last king to reign over both realms simultaneously was "sailor-king" William IV (1765-1837). He had been a seafaring man for a long time and thus developed rather pragmatic views.

Find out more at pillar Nr. 5!