Queen Caroline Orders Payment of British Army Units

Like his father, King George II was more interested in Hanover than in Great Britain, and was often absent from London on visits there. His wife Caroline, who took an interest in politics and governance, was made Guardian of the Kingdom of Great Britain and His Majesty’s Lieutenant  during the King’s absence, thus acting as regent when her husband was away. She was a strong supporter of Prime Minister Robert Walpole, and when she died in 1737 his position was diminished.

Document Signed as Queen and Guardian of the Kingdom, two sides of one sheet, circa 1730, ordering the payment of regiments in the British Army. The recipient regiments are listed by commander’s name and show the per diem payments they are to receive. Among dozens of regiments included are the Horse Guards, Royal Regiment of Foot, Holt’s Marines, and the Devonshire Regiment.