The History of Madam Britannia
The History of Madam Britannia
This chapter explores the history of Britannia. It looks at her many representations on coins, prints, medallions, and argues that she became an important means of uniting the country under William and May following the Glorious Revolution, and then again under Anne after the Act of Union in 1707. It contends that Britannia became entwined with Elizabeth I and British queens, and also with depictions of the Church of England as female. Britannia was popularised through theatres, masques, pleasure-gardens, and exhibitions, and her evolving depictions are explored from Roman times to 1800. The chapter concludes with a discussion of John Flaxman’s plans to erect a truly colossal Britannia at Greenwich in celebration of naval successes, and explores reasons why Britannia might be a less powerful figure in 1799.
Keywords: Britannia, church, Elizabeth I, John Bull, William Camden, Poly-Olbion, Albion, John Flaxman
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