The Georgian Era in Britain: 1714–1830 (or 1837)

The Georgian era spans the reigns of four Hanoverian kings named George—1714 to 1830—with a debated epilogue under William IV (1830–1837).

Clear Boundaries

Start: August 1, 1714 — George I (Elector of Hanover) succeeds Queen Anne (last Stuart).
Core period: George I (1714–1727), George II (1727–1760), George III (1760–1820), George IV (1820–1830).
End (strict): June 26, 1830 — death of George IV.
End (extended): June 20, 1837 — accession of Queen Victoria. William IV (1830–1837) is sometimes called "late Georgian" or "Williamite."

This 116-year stretch (or 123 with William) saw Britain transform from a middling European power into the world's first industrial empire:

Empire: Seven Years' War (1756–63), Indian conquest, Australian settlement, abolition of slave trade (1807), slavery (1833).
Industry: Steam engine (Watt), textiles, iron, railways (Stockton-Darlington 1825, Liverpool-Manchester 1830).
Politics: Cabinet government (Walpole), Reform Act 1832, rise of parties (Whigs/Tories).
Culture: Enlightenment, Romanticism, Austen, Byron, Turner, Constable, Nash architecture, Regency elegance.
Society: Population doubled (6M → 14M), urbanization, Methodist revival, early labor movements.

Early Georgian (1714–1760): Whig supremacy, Palladianism, Jacobite risings.
Late Georgian / Regency (1760–1830): George III's reign, American/French/Napoleonic wars, industrial takeoff, Regency style (1811–20).
Victorian begins 1837 — but roots (railways, reform, empire) are Georgian.

If a date falls 1714–1830, it's Georgian. 1830–1837: context-dependent. Post-1837: Victorian.

Historical Trips