The Truth about George III
Over 33,000 essays, scientific notes, and letters written by George III, Britain's longest reigning king, are now available to view and examine on a new global online portal launching today thanks to work by researchers at King's as well as archivists and technicians at the Royal Archives and Royal Collection Trust , as part of the Georgian Papers Programme. This window into the life, reign and times of the famous monarch marks a major milestone in a five year project to enable anyone with an interest in the 'mad' king who lost America. Working in collaboration with the Royal Collection Trust, academics, researchers and students at King's promise to reveal many more dimensions to the king. A specially commissioned BBC Two documentary George III - The Genius of the Mad King also follows the early phases of the project, which viewers can see on Monday at 9pm. Launched in the presence of Her Majesty The Queen at Windsor Castle in April 2015, the project uses 21st century technology to digitise intimate letters between The King and Queen Charlotte, Household bills, menus, as well as copious letters between The King and his government, his many essays - including on despotism - meticulous, detailed notes about the war in America, and lucid, calm letters to family during his bouts of illness all of which are now available to view online. King's has an historic association with the Georgian Archives. The bulk of a collection of scientific instruments accumulated by King George III and others was donated by Queen Victoria to King's in 1841 for public display and use in scientific demonstrations and experiments.
