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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.

20 days left to watch

59 minutes

On TV

Fri 3 May 2024 16:50

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Episode 2

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Clips

See all clips from Episode 1 (5)

Music Played

Timings (where shown) are from the start of the programme in hours and minutes

  • 00:12

    Antonio Vivaldi

    Mandolin Concerto In C Major, Rv 425: I. Allegro

  • 00:30

    Ludovico Einaudi

    Le Onde

  • 00:34

    Seán Ó Riada

    Mna Na Heireann

  • 00:40

    George Frideric Handel

    Xerxes: Largo

  • 00:58

    George Frideric Handel

    Concerto Grosso No. 3 In G Major, Hwv 317 (Op. 3): II Allegro

    Orchestra: Royal Northern Sinfonia. Performer: Bradley Creswick.

Credits

Presenter Lucy Worsley
Producer Linda Sands
Director Linda Sands
Series Producer Sebastian Barfield
Executive Producer Michael Poole

Broadcasts

Featured in...

  • The Royals

    Explore the rich lives of some of history's most powerful Royals.

  • The First Georgians

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

  • Lucy Worsley

    A selection of Lucy Worsley's documentaries.

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