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 A little over two centuries years ago in 1820, a set of 40 silver and bronze medals were produced by British sculptor and medallist, James Mudie. Manufactured by E. Thomason, they commemorated British victories over the French in battle between 1797 and 1817. Each medal measured 41mm in diameter and depicted scenes from different British military victories achieved during the reign of George III. James Mudie medals rarely come up for sale, particularly as a full and undamaged set of 40. The collection was originally presented and sold to a list of subscribers in a leather-bound case made to resemble...

The Coronation of a British monarch will always be a massive event. Whatever else is going on for the country – and wider world – the news agenda will always sit up and take notice of the crowning of a new King or Queen. The ceremony marks a stark change in the status quo. It heralds the arrival of a new reign, during which there could be a great deal of political and social upheaval. In a similar vein, many British Coronations have been subject to their own kinds of political change. Some have happened in close proximity to a...

Britain’s history is rich in royal traditions and ceremonies; pomp and circumstance. The unique take the country has on royal pageantry is never apparent than during the Coronation of a new king or Queen. These events take years to plan and are meticulous in their detail and organisation. An English Coronation offers the perfect chance for the country to show itself off at its best, as well as formally anoint a new monarch. British Coronation history is well documented, right down to full descriptions and images of British Coronation medals. Every Coronation has been different, reflecting the personalities and wishes...

  Think of French history, and one of the first names that is bound to crop up is Napoleon Bonaparte. Born in Corsica, he rose to lead the French empire in a fascinating story that is told in multiple books, films and documentaries about his eventful reign as Emperor of France, his military career and his two separate exiles on the islands of Elba and St Helena. In fact, a new film is being released towards the end of November 2023 – answering the question: who was Napoleon? – and starring Joaquin Phoenix as Napoleon Bonaparte and Vanessa Kirby as...

King George II reigned between 1727 and 1760. He succeeded his father, George I, King of Great Britain and Ireland and was the last British monarch to be born outside the country. A great linguist, he was born in Germany but spoke only French until the age of four. Later in his childhood, he learned German, English and Italian.  So, what else do we know about this popular monarch, who was known for his performance on the battle fields as much as his activities at Court? Here are ten interesting facts about King George II, the second Hanoverian King of...