An Illustrated History of the House of Hannover 1714-1837

When the Coinage of the Anglo-Hanoverian Union 1714-1837 was published by Künker in 2009 its purpose was to present the first modern review of the coinage of the Dukes of Brunswick-Calenberg-Hannover issued in the Electorate and later Kingdom of Hannover since that of Welter. The book contained brief references to the political necessity of a German Protestant succession to the throne of Great Britain and a brief review of the House of Hannover during their tenure of the monarchy.

This companion volume is directed towards building on this foundation by amplifying the historical aspects illustrated by the contemporary medals issued during this same period but augmenting that history with other published material.

During the years 1714 to 1837 Great Britain progressed in influence from that of a medium sized trading nation lying off the coast of Northern Europe to that of the world's first super-power with its reach extending over most of the globe.

Much of that growth was fuelled by reaction to the European power struggle generated by the ambition of France and it is recorded in this History that the Electorate (the King's ancestral territories) suffered during it. However, the British Government in partnership with the Monarchy ensured that global opportunities were capitalised upon and fully exploited.

Pari passu with the road to external greatness presided over by the Monarchy was a counter current of scandal, tragedy and farce which surrounded them. Interest in the Monarchy both within Great Britain and abroad was alternatively benevolent and hostile during this period. Nonetheless this was an era of momentous events from which Great Britain emerged richer and stronger and this book is a vignette of the contribution of the Brunswick-Calenberg-Hannover Monarchs during the years of progression to world influence.