Also, and finally, a great opportunity to reference Bridgerton as an interpretation about George III, especially in comparison to the Alan Bennett play.

A part of the first activity where we look at key events in George's reign and how they would have impacted him:

There is SO much more to learn about in the documentary. I couldn't recommend it enough.

I made it into a lesson (quite a long one) that I added into our GCSE curriculum (as a part of Health and the People). The students loved it.

If people want it, give me a shout and I'll happily ping it over!

George's experience had a profound impact on him (and his friends). Some of his friends in Parliament were moved by George's experience and campaigned for Bedlam to be shut down. Sadly, this was too late for Margaret Nicholson, but the long-term impact is certainly there.

Francis Willis, considered a fraud by his contemporaries, suggested George spend time outside, exercise and eat well. The turnaround was remarkable and, even when manic, he was a lot more positive, such as trying to valiantly climb the Pagoda at Kew Gardens (where he was living).

It was only when George III was threatened with removal by his son (the later George IV) that they sought alternative medical help, as opposed to the purging, bloodletting, heavy restraint and isolation that had dominated his treatment until that point.

When he was the victim of an assassination attempt by Margaret Nicholson, some believe that he stopped his guards shooting her as he had some empathy for the mental health struggles she was demonstrating.

Sadly, mercy towards Margaret ended here, and she spent the rest of her life in Bedlam.

Throughout his 60 years on the throne, he had several mental breakdowns, with many of them entrenched in themes of grief and loss. In one heartbreaking incident on Christmas Eve, George believed his pillow to be his deceased daughter having come back to life, just to realise she was in fact dead.

Many contemporary psychiatrists believe George III had bipolar disorder instead of a rare blood condition. Some believe that the rumours of a blood condition were circulated to avoid the stigma of mental illness.

He commissioned this piece of art, depicting Alfred greeting Octavius in heaven. In fact, George III was told not to mourn as they were "too young", despite George being terribly impacted by their deaths. Heartbreaking art that, after further research, it seems George had to keep quasi-secret.

He was unusual for men (and certainly monarchs!) of his period insofar that he would put his children to bed himself, play with them and also act as an emotional support for them.

He suffered loss in quick succession, losing two sons in the space of a few years.

If you haven't seen it yet (it's on BBC iPlayer) it was probably one of the most interesting yet moving documentaries I've watched.

Overall, it unpicks the mystery around the "madness" of George III.

Instead, Worsley discovers a man who was sensitive, troubled, misunderstood and compassionate.

... and that ends my Blue Sky Intro. Now begins a mass following of accounts I remember from the Teacher Twitter days (way back in 2022/2023!).

I am hoping that I can garner knowledge and wisdom from across the community. Equally, I hope that I can put some ideas/work out there that may equally benefit you.

We study Health and the People, Conflict and Tension in Asia, Norman England and Russia 1894-1945 (our new topic ready for teaching in November!) as a part of the AQA GCSE spec.

I took over my post in January and have been working consistently to bring our curriculum/T&L/assessment in line with the latest research and other exemplary work from across the HA/country.

I think, though, that this work will be done better if I am connected with the History teaching community.

I have been both a Head of Year and Head of Department, and I can honestly say that being a Head of History is the most enjoyable (and challenging!) part of my teaching career thus far.

I'm a History HoD based in Hampshire. I'm a Pompey (born and bred!) lad who has always loved History and I am so lucky to pursue my passion as a career.

I did my degree in History and Politics at the University of York, as well as my PGCE straight after.