A biography of King George II and Queen Caroline of England
Though he reigned for over thirty years (1727-60), King George II and his consort Queen Caroline have received little attention from biographers. Yet he ruled during a period when the foundations of British constitutional monarchy were laid, and he was the last King to lead his troops into battle, at Dettingen, in 1743.
Often derided as the buffoon who 'hated all boets and bainters', King George was fortunate to be served by his Prime Minister Sir Robert Walpole, and was wise enough to leave the business of government to others at a time when the English constitution was evolving. Queen Caroline, generally regarded as the ablest of British Queens between Elizabeth I and Victoria, was a patron of the arts, and used her influence in politics and patronage so that she and Walpole effectively ruled the kingdom between them. Her death in 1737 was regarded as a national calamity.
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Lord Newcastle lamented at losing the best King, the best Master, 'and the best Friend that subject ever had'. Hardwicke was even more generous, writing that he had died at the height of his glory, 'loved, honoured and respected by all Europe'. Five years earlier John Wesley had seen the King in his robing-chamber at the House of Lords, and commented with derision on an insignificant-looking little man being dressed up in a 'blanket of ermine' and a 'huge heap of borrowed hair'. 'Is this all the world can give, even to a King?' he muttered. Now, he asked sadly, 'When will England have a better Prince?'
My memories as an immigrant professional woman in Ottawa, Canada 47 years ago. A new life after having survived the liberal war of a new country Bangladesh on December 16, 1971.
Robert Burns' first daughter was Elizabeth. Her story and the five descendants Scottish lives are recorded here with the Bard's message today as ever in need. Al Quida listen: Then let us pray that come it may, As come it will for a' that. That Sense
