The First Georgians: The German Kings Who Made Britain

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Lucy Worsley

Linda Sands

Sebastian Barfield

Michael Poole

The First Georgians: The German Kings Who Made Britain: Episode 1

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Episode 1

BBC Four - The First Georgians: The German Kings Who Made Britain, Episode 1

In 1714, Britain shipped in a ready-made royal family from the German state of Hanover.

Dr Lucy Worsley's series begins in 1714 when, to prevent the crown falling into the hands of a Catholic, Britain shipped in a ready-made royal family from Hanover.

In 1714, to prevent the crown falling into the hands of a Catholic, Britain shipped in a ready-made royal family from the small German state of Hanover. To understand this risky experiment, presenter Dr Lucy Worsley has been given access to treasures from the Royal Collection as they are prepared for a new exhibition at the Queen's Gallery, Buckingham Palace - providing a rare and personal insight into George I and his feuding dynasty.

The Hanoverians arrived at a moment when Britain was changing fast. Satirists were free to mock the powerful, including the new royals. The Hanoverians themselves were busy early adopters of Neo-Palladian architecture, defining the whole look of the Georgian era. When the French philosopher Voltaire visited, he found a 'land of liberty' unlike anything in Europe - Britain was embracing freedom of speech and modern cabinet government.

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Dr Lucy Worsley tells the story of Britain's first Georgian kings.

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