State Crown of George I

State Crown of George I frame (crop)

State Crown of George I was a significant piece of the British Crown Jewels, created for King George I in the early 18th century. Unlike the St Edward's Crown or the Imperial State Crown, which are used in the coronation of British monarchs and other ceremonial occasions, the State Crown of George I was specifically made for and used by George I.

History

Following the Act of Settlement 1701, which secured the succession of the British throne to the House of Hanover, George I ascended to the throne in 1714. To signify his new reign, a new set of regalia was commissioned, including the State Crown of George I. This crown was part of a broader effort to establish the legitimacy and authority of the new king, who was facing a kingdom unfamiliar and, to some extent, hostile due to his German origins and the recent memory of the Stuart dynasty.

Design

The State Crown of George I was crafted with a traditional design, featuring a solid gold frame adorned with a combination of precious stones including diamonds, rubies, sapphires, and emeralds. Its design followed the conventional form of British crowns, with a cross pattée and fleur-de-lis motifs, symbolizing the Christian faith and the royal authority, respectively. The crown also featured a velvet cap with an ermine band, typical of the state crowns of the period.

Usage

The crown was used by George I for state occasions, such as the State Opening of Parliament and other ceremonies where the monarch was required to wear a crown. It symbolized the sovereignty and the continuity of the monarchy amidst the political changes of the time. After George I's reign, it was seldom used by his successors, as newer crowns were made for subsequent monarchs.

Fate

The exact fate of the State Crown of George I is not well-documented. Like many pieces of the older regalia, it might have been dismantled and its jewels reused for other pieces. The Tower of London, where the Crown Jewels are kept, does not list it among the current collection, suggesting that it was either destroyed, lost, or significantly altered.

Legacy

Although the State Crown of George I no longer exists, it remains an important part of the history of the British Crown Jewels. It symbolizes the transition of power from the Stuart dynasty to the House of Hanover and represents the efforts of George I to establish his legitimacy and authority as king. The crown is a testament to the craftsmanship and artistic skills of early 18th-century jewelers and goldsmiths, and its creation marks a significant moment in the history of British royal regalia.