Under William III (r. 1689-1702) the creation of large navies in Britain had brought about a naval superiority which can be regarded as being a key foundation of Britain's commercial confidence and wealth. George I took a close interest in military matters throughout his reign, and, perhaps unconstitutionally, used the British navy to pursue his Hanoverian aims.

Four months after the new King's arrival in Britain, this list showing the capabilities of the Royal Navy was drawn up for him. The date was expressed as January 1714/15, reflecting the discrepancy between the British and Continental calendars. The First- and Second-Rate lists of ships are headed in gold by the names Royal George and Prince. These ships were formerly called Victory and Triumph: they were renamed to honour the new Hanoverian dynasty.

Binding information

Bound in red goatskin, with gold tooling and all edges gilt. Tooling comprised of circular-shaped strapwork design to centre, with daisy tools filling the small circles, and the larger circles filled with small pointille tools and ones resembling the number 2. Crowned double reversed monogram of GR to centre. Inside corners filled with foliate filigree-type scrolls, thistle tool to top and bottom, within triple fillet border, with another triple fillet border to external board edges; gap within which filled with individual tools made to look like composite roll tool, of fleur-de-lis and four-petalled foliate tool within double [arabesques?] with small daisy tools. Spine divided into seven compartments, with small acorn tools inside border frame. Outside of boards and turn-ins decorated with roll tool of suns and sinuous line.

Text adapted from The First Georgians: Art and Monarchy 1714-1760, London, 2014