King George II

George Augustus, the son of King George I, was born at Herrenhausen, Germany, on 30 October 1683. He followed his father on the British throne in 1727. Their relationship was never very good, and so George II had built his own circle, almost a "counter-court" of influential politicians and artists by the time he succeeded on the throne. Despite this, he trusted the same kind of governments (lead at first by Robert Walpole, who had helped King George I defend his claim already). He was the last British ruler who led his troops (in 1743, the "Battle at Dettingen" against the French), and by the time he died, he left colonies in America, Asia, Australia and Africa. The British possessions were as large as never before or after. King George II died at Kensington Palace on 25. October 1760.

His signature on documents from 1728 (left) and 1758 (right).