Born 1683 – Died 1760 • King of Great Britain 1727 - 1760

" You may strut, dapper George, but 'twill all be in vain;

We know 'tis Queen Caroline, not you, that reign."

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He reigned for 33 years. He was fortunate to be served by Walpole and Pitt the Elder, and wise enough to leave the business of government to them.  1743, he was the last King to lead a British army into battle at Dettingen.   1745, under Cumberland, the Jacobites were defeated at Culloden. In 1759, Britain won a crucial naval victory over the French, in what many considered the 1st World War. In 1760, at the height of his power, George tragically succumbed to a stroke.

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The Jacobite rebellion of 1745 threatened to destabilise the British empire.   The tale of Bonnie Prince Charlie, his heroic attempt to regain his grandfather's, James II, crown, remains the stuff of legend. A fugitive, hidden by courageous clansfolk.  Flora MacDonald and the dramatic escape over the sea to Skye. 'German Georgie' had come close to losing his throne.

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George II was so angry with his father, he didn't attend his funeral.

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The backlash from Gin Acts 1729-1751, passed to curb Britain's drinking.... Riots kicked off.  "No Gin!" "No King!"  Troops had to be deployed to keep the peace!