George IV of the United Kingdom

George IV (George Augustus Frederick) (12 August 1762 – 26 June 1830) was King of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland and Hanover from 29 January 1820. He had earlier served as Prince Regent when his father, George III, suffered from a relapse into insanity from porphyria.

Legacy

George IV died in 1830 and was buried in Windsor Castle. His daughter, Princess Charlotte Augusta of Wales, had died from post-partum complications in 1817, after delivering a still-born son; his eldest younger brother, Frederick, the Duke of York, also pre-deceased him in 1827. He was therefore succeeded by another of his brothers, William, Duke of Clarence, who reigned as William IV.

Related Topics:
1830 - William, Duke of Clarence

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On George's death The Times commented unfavourably: There never was an individual less regretted by his fellow creatures than this deceased king. What eye has wept for him? What heart has heaved one throb of unmercenary sorrow? If he ever had a friend - a devoted friend in any rank of life - we protest that the name of him or her never reached us.

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The Economist, on the other hand, commented favourably on George's dislike of the Corn Laws and pro-free-trade opinions.

Related Topics:
The Economist - Corn Laws - Free-trade

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A bronze statue of George IV on horseback stands in Trafalgar Square. In Edinburgh George IV Bridge is a main street linking the Old Town High Street to the south by a bridge over the ravine of the Cowgate, designed by the architect Thomas Hamilton in 1829 and completed in 1835.

Related Topics:
Bronze - Trafalgar Square - Edinburgh - Thomas Hamilton - 1829 - 1835

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In fiction, he is usually represented as extravagant and irresponsible, notably by Hugh Laurie in the mock historical comedy series Blackadder and by Rupert Everett in the 1994 film The Madness of King George.

Related Topics:
Hugh Laurie - Blackadder - Rupert Everett - 1994 - The Madness of King George

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In 1907, the Nuttall encyclopedia described him as the "First Gentleman of Europe" on account of his "his fine style and manners."

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