The king that Jeremiah Jordan opposed in my American Historical romance, ENEMY OF THE KING, was the long-lived George 111. Great Britain had a king named George from 1714 until 1830. Best known as the tyrant king during the American Revolution, George 111 was not directly responsible for the laws that ultimately drove the colonists to rebellion. However, once the fires of revolution swept through the colonies, his indignant reaction to the challenge of British rule and determination to make an example of his errant subjects caused him to extend the conflict beyond all reason. Loss of the colonies was a blow from which he never fully recovered.

Also known for his ‘madness,’ George 111 was unable to rule during periods of his reign as the result of an illness that caused mental derangement and ranting, likely a rare blood condition called porphyria. By 1811 he was so incapacitated Parliament passed the Regency Bill, appointing his eldest son to rule as Prince Regent. Only one monarch has ruled longer than George 111 and that was his granddaughter Queen Victoria.

On a more positive note, George 111 is also remembered for his virtuous ways and steady leadership through the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars. Affectionately called Farmer George because of his strong interests in agriculture, he was a keen gardener/gentleman farmer and interested in improving the quality of farm animals. He cultivated crops and let sheep graze on the lands around his home at Kew Gardens.

He met his wife of many years, Queen Charlotte, on their wedding day but remarkably he never took a mistress (in contrast to his grandfather and his sons) and the couple enjoyed a genuinely happy marriage. They had 15 children.

For more on this unusual monarch, I highly recommend the movie, The Madness of King George.
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12 comments

  1. Nightingale // September 4, 2009 at 12:06 PM  

    Now I must rush out and rent the movie. Fascinating post, Beth. You always manage to intrigue us with history.

  2. Barbara Monajem // September 4, 2009 at 12:23 PM  

    It looks like a sad movie... but I think I'd like to see it anyway.

    Thanks for the post, Beth.

  3. Beth Trissel // September 4, 2009 at 1:10 PM  

    Thanks Linda. It's a fascinating movie. Sad, well, parts are, yes. It ends on a positive note.

  4. Mary Ricksen // September 4, 2009 at 1:18 PM  

    Actually it looks like it might be a bit funny. Got to see the movie anyways!
    Great post Beth, love the history stuff. Now if I go back in time to the ere of King George III, I'll have a heads up!

  5. Beth Trissel // September 4, 2009 at 2:08 PM  

    I often hang out in that era. :)

  6. Judith Keim // September 4, 2009 at 2:47 PM  

    Interesting post, Beth. English royalty is always fascinating. Your book sounds wonderful and I must say, I'm intrigued by the movie...Thanks!

  7. Nightingale // September 4, 2009 at 6:52 PM  

    Maybe in a former life, Beth, you lived in that era. I'm intrigued with the English Civil War and Charles II. I drove from Miami to Staunton for a reenactment of the Battle of Worcester.

  8. Scarlet Pumpernickel // September 4, 2009 at 8:36 PM  

    This one will move to the top of my must rent list! Thanks for the mini-lesson on King George III. Great post Beth.

  9. Beth Trissel // September 4, 2009 at 10:13 PM  

    I was also at that reenactment Linda. How interesting. And thanks all.

  10. Toni V.S. // September 6, 2009 at 5:21 PM  

    I've seen the movie, Beth, and I was a little shocked at the treatment he went through to "cure" himself. All I could think was "How can they do that to their king?"

  11. Josie // September 11, 2009 at 8:48 PM  

    Beth, I love, love, love the history. Your posts are so well-researched.

  12. John Galt // September 26, 2009 at 12:47 PM  

    Why with all the apparent, but underutilized, talent some one or two of you write a book about how because of the English's thirst for power, quagmires galore are left for the "colonies", of USA, to deal with in our blood?
    It never amazes me how many apparently self righteous folks sit idly by and allow so many bad things happen to helpless people when their talents could be out to very positive use? utilized!
    A friend of John Galt!