London and the Kingdom - Volume 3

Drawing on the meticulous records of the Guildhall, this volume paints a vivid picture of London’s civic machinery at the moment King George I ascended the throne in 1714. It follows the rapid drafting of the proclamation, the city’s formal addresses to the new monarch, and the intricate preparations for his grand entrance through Temple Bar, all recorded with the precision of contemporary officials.

The narrative then turns to the pageantry and politics of the early reign: the mayor’s banquet, the gifting of a crimson velvet gown, and the city’s financial contributions to royal celebrations. It also captures the undercurrent of anxiety as pamphlets championed the Pretender’s claim, prompting council leaders to clamp down on seditious literature. Through these episodes, listeners gain a richly detailed glimpse into how London balanced ceremony, loyalty, and security during a pivotal moment in its history.