Hanover`s Rulers on the British Throne 1714-1837

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The Lower Saxony State Exhibition
17th May - 5th October 2014
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The Lower Saxony
State Exhibition 2014 celebrates
the 300th anniversary of the
personal union. For 123 years,
the Electorate of Hanover and
the Kingdom of Great Britain
were linked by a single monarch.
The marriage between Ernst August,
Duke of Brunswick-Lüneburg,
and Sophie von der Pfalz
paved the way for the
House of Hanover to
exercise previously
inconceivable influence
on the history of Europe
and the world.
As the Royals came from Hanover
Electress Sophie of Hanover, as the last surviving protestant
grandchild of the Stuart King James I, was named as successor
to the throne by the British Parliament in 1701 (Act of Settlement). After her death on 8th June 1714, the right of succession
passed to her son, George Ludwig, who ascended to the British
throne as George I just a few weeks later, following the death of
Queen Anne.
With the coronation of the Elector of Hanover as King of
Great Britain on 20th October 1714 in Westminster Abbey, the
personal union became legally effective, and was passed on
to George‘s heirs, Kings George II to IV and William IV. Yet as
different as the two countries were with regard to their national
constitution and their economic and social situations, many
political influences and interdependencies arose during the personal union, which had an effect on the social development of
Great Britain and Hanover and on the cultures of both countries.
Five exhibitions will be held in 2014 to mark the 300th anniversary of the personal union.
Alongside the exhibition in the Niedersächsisches Landesmuseum Hanover, the newly constructed Herrenhausen Palace,
the Historisches Museum Hanover, the Deutsches Museum für
Karikatur und Zeichenkunst – Wilhelm Busch and the Residenzmuseum in Celle Castle invite visitors to discover the eventful
period during which Hanover‘s rulers reigned on the British throne.
Five exhibitions in castles and museums
Hanover’s Rulers on the British Throne
1714–1837
Niedersächsisches Landesmuseum Hanover
The central theme of this exhibition is the presentation of the intensive exchanges between London and Hanover that occurred
in the most varied fields in the course of this 123-year period,
during which a single monarch ruled over two empires simultaneously. Outstanding exhibits from Lower Saxony, from German,
British and international museums, and from private loans are
depicted in a representative way, complemented by hands-on
and multimedia stations. The rise of pomp and ceremony in
the London court will be presented, as will the founding of the
University of Göttingen, George Friedrich Handel‘s effect on the
court of London and the influence of English fashion in Hanover.
Herrenhausen Palace, Hanover
To mark the 300th anniversary of the personal union, the Guelph
summer residence, the Herrenhausen Palace, will be rebuilt following its destruction by fire in 1943. The exhibition, to be staged
in the wings of the palace that house the museum, recounts the
story of the new Electorate of Hanover on the eve of the personal
union and during its early years. It relates the power politics of
the Elector Ernst August (1635-1698) and his marriage to Sophie
von der Pfalz (1630-1714), the “mother” of the personal union.
Housed throughout the unique Herrenhausen buildings, the
exhibition not only reveals the essential elements of representative court life around the turn of the 18th century but also brings
together a fascinating selection of fine exhibits ranging from
Baroque pomp to the simple everyday court life of the Guelphs of
Hanover.
A Coach and two Kingdoms:
Hanover and Great Britain 1814-1837
Historisches Museum Hanover
The Royal State Coach is the centrepiece of this exhibition. This
impressive coach was built in 1782 for the Opening of Parliament ceremony in London. In 1814, following victory over the
Napoleonic troops and the elevation of Hanover to a Kingdom,
the coach was brought over to the mainland. The coach was used
in 1821 on the occasion of King George IV‘s long awaited trip to
Hanover. The exhibition tells the story of the Royal State Coach,
which serves as a unique illustration of the personal connection
between Great Britain and Hanover. In addition, the exhibition
portrays the young Kingdom of Hanover against the background
of British world power: the Guelph rulers and their local representatives, the political debates about the Constitution and land
reforms, the extensive traditional economy, as well as Hanover
as a royal seat, which was given a grandiose new face by master
builder to the court, Laves.
The House of Hanover at the time of the
personal union as reflected in English
caricature
Wilhelm Busch - Deutsches Museum für Karikatur und
Zeichenkunst, Hanover (German Museum for Caricature
and Graphic Art)
Caricatures paint a vital picture of English politics and society
during the personal union and are the central theme of the
exhibition in the Wallmoden Palace. Visitors will be catapulted
into the thick of events - brought into the Royal Court, where
the royals from the House of Hanover and their families are
highlighted with all their human weaknesses, or into parliament,
where leading politicians are debating the country‘s destiny.
The caricatures criticise political decisions and developments,
comment on scandal and intrigue, and with various tittle-tattle,
provide an amusing look at notable figures of society. Due to the
widespread presence of printshops in London, these caricatures
reached a wide public and thus played a role in shaping the
political opinion of the time.
The path to power: a playing field
Residenzmuseum in Celle Castle
The exhibition is dedicated to the history preceding the personal
union, or more precisely, the question of how an inheritance
resulted in the descendants of Henry the Lion becoming the
rulers of the British Empire for 123 years. Key questions about
the concept of sovereignty and the transfer of power in the 17th
and early 18th centuries will be raised. This complex topic will
be presented as a game, in which rules, strategy and chance all
play a role. Due to its “precursor role”, Celle, which was the most
important Guelph residence until 1705, is the perfect setting to
showcase the history behind how the personal union came to
be. Furthermore, the former royal seat of Celle gives visitors the
chance to experience an intact, beautifully preserved Baroque city.
The exhibition sites
Niedersächsisches Landesmuseum Hannover
The regional gallery of Lower Saxony’s largest public museum showcases art from the Middle Ages
to the early 20th century. Archaeological exhibits include extraordinary findings from the Prehistoric
and Early historic periods. The coin display contains approximately one hundred outstanding items
from the royal collection. Information about dinosaurs and the flora and fauna of Lower Saxony can
be found in the natural history section. The vivarium houses fish and reptiles from around the world,
whilst the ethnology section takes visitors on a discovery voyage through American, African, Asian
and Oceanic cultures.
Willy-Brandt-Allee 5
30169 Hannover
Tel. +49 (0)511/9807686
www.landesmuseumhannover.de
Herrenhausen Palace, Hanover
The former Guelph summer residence in Herrenhausen is being reconstructed. The world famous
Gardens of Herrenhausen will be home to the Herrenhausen Palace - a reconstruction of the
three-winged building designed by Georg Ludwig Friedrich Laves, master builder to the court.
Whilst the main rooms will be used as a modern conference centre, the wings of the Herrenhausen Palace will be devoted to the museum. The wide range of Herrenhausen attractions represent
a unique experience for tourists.
Herrenhäuser Straße 4
30419 Hannover
Tel.: +49 (0)511/168-44543
www.hannover.de
Historisches Museum (Museum of History), Hanover
Local and national history - particularly the development of the Electorate, Princedom and Kingdom
of Hanover - is the main focus of the Historischen Museums am Hohen Ufer, which is located in the
reconstructed part of Hanover’s old town. Taking central stage at the exhibition are the ceremonial
coaches from the Guelph House, which date back to the 1780s.
Deutsches Museum für Karikatur und Zeichenkunst – Wilhelm Busch
(German Museum of Caricatures and Graphic Art - Wilhelm Busch), Hanover
This world famous museum is devoted to the painter, illustrator and poet, Wilhelm Busch (18321908), as well as to caricatures and graphic art. Its diverse range of collections and exhibitions
- which span a bridge between historical caricature, the works of artists such as F.K. Waechter
and Ronald Searle, and fashionable caricatures and drawings for children’s books - turns this
museum into a unique illustration of German satire. The museum is located inside the Wallmoden Palace in the Georgengarten, which belongs to the famous Gardens of Herrenhausen.
Pferdestr. 6
30159 Hannover
Tel. +49 (0)511/168-43052
www.historisches-museumhannover.de
Georgengarten
30167 Hannover
Tel. +49 (0)511/16 9999-11/16
www.karikatur-museum.de
Residenzmuseum in Celle Castle
For almost 300 years, Celle was the permanent seat of the Duke of Brunswick-Lüneburg and thus
the seat of government of the most significant Guelph principality. The castle, in the midst of a
splendid half-timbered city, is still marked by its past as a seat of lords in the Middle Ages, as a Baroque residence up until 1705 and as summer residence of the Kings of Hanover in the 19th century.
The Residenzmuseum provides a modern showcase of the history of the castle and its inhabitants,
allowing visitors to learn more about the Guelphs, who are the oldest royal lineage still in existence
in Europe.
Schlossplatz 1
29221 Celle
Tel: +49 (0)5141/12372
www.residenzmuseum.de
Suggested Itinerary
Day 1: From one Guelph residence to another
Journey to Hanover via Celle. A guided visit around the royal seat of
Celle with its famous collection of half-timbered buildings, is followed
by a visit to the exhibition “The path to power: a playing field” in the
Residenzmuseum in Celle Castle, which portrays the years leading up
to the personal union. Continue on to Hanover. After checking in at the
hotel, guided walking tour through the diverse history of this regional
state capital, taking in numerous points of interest. In the evening, you
are free to stroll through the old town. The charming narrow alleyways
and squares on the banks of the Leine with their inviting cafés and
restaurants are well worth exploring. Overnight in Hanover.
Day 2: Why did the Royals come from Hanover?
After breakfast, head towards the first part of the Lower Saxony State
Exhibition, “Hanover’s Rulers on the British Throne” in the Niedersächsisches Landesmuseum. A guided tour provides an interesting insight into
the 123-year period during which the Guelph rulers reigned over two
kingdoms simultaneously. Afterwards, journey on to the reconstructed
Herrenhausen Palace. After a light lunch in the Schlossküche Herrenhausen restaurant, discover part of the exhibition complex in the new
museum. The exhibition concentrates on the new Electorate of Hanover
on the evening prior to on the eve of the personal union and during
its early years. There is time in the afternoon to explore under your
own steam. Alongside a visit to the Gardens of Herrenhausen, we can
recommend exploring the other Lower Saxony State Exhibition sites,
such as the Museum für Karikatur und Zeichenkunst – Wilhelm Busch
(Museum of Caricatures and Graphic Art - Wilhelm Busch), which is
dedicated to the House of Hanover at the time of the personal union as
reflected in English caricature, or the Historisches Museum with its exhibition “A Coach and two Kingdoms: Hanover and Great Britain 18141837”. We can also recommend an evening at Hanover‘s State Opera
House, subject to the performance schedule. The Opera is surrounded
by numerous restaurants. Overnight in Hanover
Day 3: A castle for Queen Mary
The morning is set aside for a visit of the impressive Marienburg Castle,
a magnificent example of Neo-Gothic architecture. A guided tour of
the castle takes visitors through the rooms - largely preserved in their
original state - and reveals fascinating testimonials to the life and times
of the castle‘s former inhabitants. Interesting permanent exhibitions
also inform visitors about the history of the royal house of Hanover and
the construction of Marienburg Castle. We recommend lunch in the
exceptional Schloss Restaurant to bring the “Royals from Hanover” trip
to a close. Return journey after lunch.
Itinerary add-ons
Hanover
Surrounding area
A cultural historic tour of the city
A Gothic Hanseatic city, the capital of the Kingdom of Hanover and a
modern regional capital. Hanover‘s many facets have been shaped by such
a diverse past, the most important and most beautiful of which will be
revealed to you during a guided tour of the city, including the picturesque
old town with its half-timbered buildings.
Marienburg Castle
Located 20 km south of Hanover, this fully furnished castle was intended as the Guelph summer residence. The romantic vision of a medieval
castle atop a hill was a Birthday present from the King of Hanover,
George V 1819-1878), for his wife, Queen Mary (1818-1907). It is one
of the most significant Neo-Gothic examples of German architecture.
Our recommendation: the French bistro-style Schlossrestaurant comes
highly recommended for groups.
Duration: 2.5 hours approx.
Info: Hannover Marketing & Tourismus GmbH,
Tel. +49 (0)511/12345-111, www.hannover.de/tourismus
Discover Hanover on foot
This tour takes you on a journey through the different periods of Hanover‘s history. It highlights the distinctive features and points of interest
around Leine Castle, visiting numerous picturesque parts of the old
town with their medieval half-timbered houses - and much more!
Duration: 2 hours approx.
Info: Hannover Marketing & Tourismus GmbH,
Tel. +49 (0)511/12345-111, www.hannover.de/tourismus
Gardens of Herrenhausen
This gem of a Baroque garden was inspired by the French landscape
design of Versailles. One particular highlight of the guided visit is the
cave of Niki de Saint Phalle.
Info: Herrenhäuser Straße 4, 30419 Hannover,
Tel. +49 (0) 511/16847576, www.herrenhaeuser-gaerten.de
Evening activities
State Opera House, Hanover: the best of opera, ballet and music
One of London‘s opera guidebooks considers the State Opera House
in Hanover to be one of the ten best operas in the world - and ranks the
Classical-style opera house from Georg Friedrich Laves amongst the
best in Germany.
Info: Opernplatz 1, Tel. +49 (0)511/9999-2222, www.oper-hannover.de
Info: Marienberg 1, 30982 Pattensen, Tel. +49 (0)5069/348000,
www.schlossmarienburg.de
Walking tour of Celle
The royal seat of Celle boasts Europe‘s largest collection of timberframe buildings, counting 450 listed half-timbered buildings dating from
the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries. Visitors can also discover the burial
vault of the Guelph rulers and Celle Castle, which will house part of the
2014 Lower Saxony Exhibition.
Info & reservation: Tourist Information Celle, Markt 14-16, 29221 Celle,
Tel.: +49 (0)5141/127666, www.celle-tourismus.de
Wolfenbüttel - Guelph ducal seat
For over 400 years, up until 1754, this royal seat of the culture and artloving Duke of Brunswick-Lüneburg was a hive of intellectual activity
and fine arts. The town centre is still home to the magnificent royal
castle - the most prominent symbol of the former Guelph ruling and the
second largest of its kind in Lower Saxony. Other attractions include the
world famous Duke August library and the Lessinghaus museum.
Info: Wolfenbüttel Marketing Tourismus & Service GmbH, Stadtmarkt 7A,
38300 Wolfenbüttel, Tel. +49 (0)5331/86280,
www.wolfenbuettel-tourismus.de
Tariffs
Each exhibition can be visited on an individual basis or using a
combined ticket. The entrance price for individual museums is
to be confirmed.
Combi-ticket:
€
Combi-ticket for all five castles and museums of
The Lower Saxony State Exhibition 2014
Euro 16,Reduced combi-ticket:
(school children, students, trainees,
disabled people, unemployed)
Euro 14,-
Groups of 10 or more:
Euro 14,- €
Family combi-ticket:
a) 2 adults with up to 4 children:
b) 1 adult with up to 4 children:
€
Euro 35,- €
Euro 20,- €
School children on class trip (teacher free):
Euro 5,- €
Guided visits / audioguides
All exhibition sites of The Lower Saxony State Exhibition 2014
will offer themed guided tours, some of which can be combined.
The actual themes and tariffs are to be confirmed and will be
available from 2013 at www.royals-aus-hannover.de
Service for groups and tour operators
We would be pleased to help you put your itinerary together.
Our services include the following: images and texts for you
to use, advice for drawing up an itinerary, further information
collateral.
Please do not hesitate to contact us by mail with your
questions and requirements:
[email protected]
Museum friends only receive discounts at the museum
that they support.
Under the Herrenhausen Palace entrance policy, the 2014
combi-ticket does not allow entrance to the gardens.
Contact & information
Tourism Partner
Hannover Marketing & Tourismus GmbH
Ernst-August-Platz 8
30159 Hannover
Tel. +49 (0)511/12345-111
Fax +49 (0)511/12345-112
www.hannover.de/tourismus
www.royals-aus-hannover.de
The Lower Saxony State Exhibition 2014
Niedersächsisches Landesmuseum Hannover
Willy-Brandt-Allee 5
30169 Hannover
Tel. +49 (0)511/9807 662
Fax +49 (0)511/9807 607
www.landesmuseum-hannover.de
www.royals-aus-hannover.de