Half-term chance to get inside the mind of 'mad' King George

Paul Jeeves

NEARLY two centuries after the end of his reign, one of Britain’s most eccentric monarchs is still capturing the imagination.

And the tastes, flamboyance and madness of the reign of King George III will be highlighted at York Castle Museum during half term to mark the 250th anniversary of his ascendancy to the throne.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Throughout this week, historical re-enactors will take on the roles of colourful characters such as a surgeon, an executioner, a butler and the King himself to tell fascinating tales from their lives to visitors.

The museum’s military, textile and kitchen studios will be open to allow visitors to get a closer look at the Georgian collections.

The learning manager at York Castle Museum, Jim Butler, said: “Each day this half term visitors can rub shoulders with a different eccentric character including the flamboyant king himself – so they can make their own mind up on whether he really was insane.”

George III’s reign began in 1760 and lasted until 1820, although he endured bouts of severe ill health which were seen as repeated episodes of madness and his son acted as regent from 1810.

The events are included in the museum’s admission price. Children who are with a paying adult are admitted free, as are York residents who have a York Card.

Related topics: