George II halfpenny
This coin is an example of copper coinage issued during the reign of George II (1727–60). Its worn surface means that it’s tricky to make out the exact design. As such, we can’t tell whether it’s a ‘young head’ (issued 1729–39) or an ‘old head’ (1740–54).
The design of the early and late issues differs only in this respect. George II is shown in the ‘laureate bust’ style, either as a young king or in his maturity. The legend, which means simply ‘King George II’, remains the same. In Latin, it reads: ‘GEORGIVS II REX’.
Britannia is seated at centre on the reverse. She holds a spear and an olive branch, with a shield to the right. ‘BRITANNIA’, meaning ‘Britain’, is written here, with the date after.
George II was born and brought up in Germany. For this reason, he took little control over Britain’s domestic policy as king.
In 1745, supporters of the Catholic claimant to the British throne tried and failed to depose George II in the last of the Jacobite rebellions. The claimant was James Francis Edward Stuart, ‘The Old Pretender’. And it was his son, Charles Edward Stuart – better known as Bonnie Prince Charlie or ‘The Young Pretender’ – who led the rebellion.
During George II’s reign, British interests across the world grew with the colonization of North America. The power of Parliament in Britain became well established. And the Jacobite challenge to the Hanoverian dynasty was stubbed out.
Caerlaverock Castle
Caerlaverock’s triangular shape is unique among British castles. A walk around the castle gives a sense of its strength, economy of form and pleasing geometry.
Three lengths of defensive curtain wall are linked at their three angles by high corner towers. On the north side is an impressive twin-towered gatehouse, where the Maxwells had their private rooms.
The Maxwells repaired and upgraded Caerlaverock over the years. The impressive machicolations (slotted defences) at the top of each tower date from the late 1300s or early 1400s – by which time the Wars of Independence with England had taken their toll.
Inside the castle walls is the remarkable Nithsdale Lodging, built in the 1630s by Robert Maxwell, 1st Earl of Nithsdale. Its attractive façade, with its ornate Renaissance stone carvings, is a sharp contrast to the severe castle walls.
Tale of two sieges
Caerlaverock was besieged and captured on numerous occasions, but two sieges in particular stand out.
The first, in July 1300, involved Edward I himself. The small garrison surrendered within two days of facing the full might of the English king’s army. A contemporary account of the siege is one of the most fascinating recorded for any castle in the British Isles.
The second siege, in 1640, was the castle’s last. It was brought about by Lord Maxwell’s loyalty to Charles I during his struggles with the Covenanters. The garrison held out for 13 weeks before surrendering.
Afterwards the castle was stripped of valuable fixtures and fittings and its great south curtain wall demolished so that Caerlaverock could never again be used as a place of defence.
Natural history
Many rare animals and plants live in the castle grounds, which lies next to Caerlaverock Nature Reserve.
There are 15 habitats in the grounds, including:
- semi-natural ancient woodland
- swamp and ponds
- unimproved grassland
That so many nationally important habitats survive is testament to Caerlaverock’s protection as a significant historical site.
Details
- Date Made
- 1729-1739
- Dimensions
- dia 27.3mm (dia 1 1/16")
- Time Period
- 18th century, Modern
- Property Information
- Caerlaverock Castle
- Object Number
- CAER512
- Access Status
- Storage