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Despite their geographical proximity, the kingdoms of England and Scotland have not always been part of the same country. For centuries, they were ruled by different governments and considered separate political entities. This changed in 1603 and again in 1707 when the Union of England and Scotland was established during the reign of Queen Anne. The Hanoverian monarchy was keen to secure the succession to both crowns and Scotland benefited from freedom of trade from the new agreement. Here are ten key facts about the Act of Union of England and Scotland, how it came to pass and what it...

You don’t have to be a seasoned collector of British historical medals and medallions to know that a huge number of designs are dedicated to, or based on, events, milestones and people connected to the Royal family. This is because the monarchy played a major part in many of the country’s key events. Political and social change was often heavily influenced by the actions and preferences of Britain’s kings and queens, not least during the Restoration of the monarchy in 1660 following the country’s brief foray into republicanism. British Royal medals also depict more personal aspects of the monarchy, including...

Collecting commemorative medals has become a popular pastime for many people who are interested in history and significant events in time. British commemorative medals in particular can hold a deep fascination for fans of royal and national milestones. There are many reasons to collect commemorative coins and medals, including personal interest, family links to ancestors and historical events and to act as a financial investment for the future. Building up a commemorative medal collection can bring satisfaction and engagement with royal and national history. Collectors often specialise in themes, such as royalty, military, scientific or academic achievements, specific centuries or...

Building up a collection of medals can be a hugely satisfying hobby that can even turn into a lucrative business if you learn how to choose the right pieces to invest in. Owning a medal collection can offer fascinating insights into historical stories, key people and events that have shaped the world as we see it today. Medals can mark the changing of a monarch, birth or death of someone significant. They can tell stories about acts of heroism in war or conflict, or the achievement of something truly spectacular, either by an individual, a group or a whole country....

  George II of Great Britain was the country’s second Hanoverian king, born in Hanover the son of George I and Sophia Dorothea of Celle in 1683. He was appointed Prince of Wales when his father ascended to the British throne in 1714, following him as King in 1727. One of the best-known facts about George II was that he was the last ever British monarch to lead his troops into battle in person at the Battle of Dettingen in Germany against the French in 1743. He was also the last British monarch to be born outside of the UK....