We are thrilled to invite you to apply for an exciting opportunity to visit in Hanover, Bristol's twin city. Hanover is the birthplace of King George I and King George II and has a rich history with many traces of British influence.

We are offering a scholarship programme for students of German at the University of Bristol with a keen interest in History to stay in Hanover for ten days in Summer 2023. This is a unique chance to immerse yourself in the German language and culture, while also gaining a deeper understanding of the historical connections between Britain and Hanover.

10 Days Of Immersion Into British-German History

 In and around Hanover, there are many traces of the shared historical connection to be found. We invite you to a ten-day trip to Hanover. You will meet many new contacts who will give you a feeling for the traces of the British in Hanover, for example the board members of Hannover Bristol Gesellschaft, whose aim it is to promote the twinning of the two cities Hanover and Bristol. Among other things, you will visit the Landesmuseum and the Historisches Museum as well as the first newspaper publishing house to be founded after the Second World War by the British Military Government in order to re-establish an independent press. You will visit the Leineschloss, where King George I was born and get to know the capital of the state of Lower Saxony which was founded by the British 76 years ago. Another excursion takes you to Marienburg Castle, the seat of the House of Hanover as well as other places of historical significance.

DETAILS

Are you a first-year student on a degree in German at the University of Bristol? Do you want to spend time this summer in Bristol's twin city, getting to know place and people and improving your German? 

 
In partnership with the School of Modern Languages at the University of Bristol, the Hannoversch-Britische Gesellschaft e.V. is offering two Freundship Scholarships for an expenses-paid, ten-day visit to Hannover in the summer of 2023. Students will: 
 

• be immersed in the German language, and in the culture and history of Hannover and the surrounding region
• stay with a host family
• visit sites of historical significance, especially of the close ties between Hanover and Great Britain
• meet new people and learn from their experience of connecting Germany and the UK.

Included

•  flight or Eurostar to Hanover from / to London
•  pick up and transfer
•  accommodation in a private room with a host family
• half board (breakfast and dinner) 
•  comprehensive educational and sightseeing programme including all admission fees 

Extras (not included)

•  pocket money
•  additional meals
•  public transport tickets
• transfer from Bristol to London and return

Close Links

The relationship between Hanover and Great Britain is special because Hanover and Great Britain were closely linked through the personal union of the Hanoverian and British thrones. From 1714 to 1837, the British monarchy was also the ruling dynasty of the German state of Hanover. This personal union was established when Queen Anne, the last of the Stuart monarchs, died without any direct heirs, and the British throne passed to the House of Hanover, through the Act of Settlement of 1701. The first Hanoverian king of Great Britain was George I, who ruled from 1714 to 1727. 

During this personal union, the British and Hanoverian thrones were held by the same monarch, but the two territories remained separate and were ruled by different governments. However, the British monarchs retained strong personal connections to Hanover and frequently visited the city. The Hanoverians also played an important role in British politics, with many Hanoverian politicians serving in British government positions. 

This personal union led to significant cultural and political exchange between the two countries and played a significant role in the development of both Great Britain and Hanover. The city of Hanover is still an important destination for British tourists today, and many historical sites, such as the King Georges' birthplaces and residences, are still preserved as a reminder of the personal union between the two countries. 

The British Army of the Rhine (BAOR) was stationed in the German state of Lower Saxony (which did not yet exist as such at that time), with its headquarters in the city of Hanover, after the end of World War II. The BAOR was established as part of the British military government in Germany, which was responsible for administering the British occupation zone in Germany.

The BAOR played a major role in the reconstruction and rebuilding of the German economy and infrastructure in Lower Saxony, and in the city of Hanover specifically. The British provided aid and resources to help rebuild the war-torn region and improve living conditions for the local population. They also helped to establish democratic institutions, such as political parties and a free press, in order to promote democracy in Germany.

The presence of the British military government also had a significant cultural impact in Hanover and Lower Saxony. The British soldiers and their families brought a diverse mix of cultures to the region, and Germans became exposed to British culture and customs. This led to a sense of friendship and understanding between the British and German people, which has continued to this day.

Additionally, The BAOR played a significant role in the defense of Western Europe during the Cold War, and was a key component of NATO's strategy to deter Soviet aggression. The British troops were present in Hanover and Lower Saxony until the early 1990s, and their presence in the region has left an important legacy and influence in the local population and culture.

There are several traces of the British influence that can still be found in Hanover today. Some examples include:

• King George's Square: This square in the city center is named after the Hanoverian kings who were also British monarchs, and it is home to a statue of King George I, the first Hanoverian king of Great Britain.

• Herrenhausen Gardens: These gardens were originally created for the royal palace of Herrenhausen, which was the summer residence of the Hanoverian kings. The palace was destroyed during World War II, but the gardens have been rebuilt and are open to the public. They include the Great Garden, which was designed in the English landscape style and features the Grotto, a small pavilion in the shape of a cave.

• King George's Church: This church, also located in Herrenhausen, was built in honor of King George II and his family and was the center of the British community in Hanover during the personal union.

• The Royal Palace of Hanover: This palace was the residence of the Hanoverian kings and was used by the British monarchy during their visits to Hanover. Although it was destroyed during World War II, it was rebuilt and today it is home to the Lower Saxony State Parliament.

• The Lower Saxony Memorial: This monument, which is located on the grounds of the Lower Saxony State Government, serves as a reminder of the British military presence in Hanover and Lower Saxony and the role they played in the reconstruction and rebuilding of the region.

• The British Cemetery: This cemetery is the final resting place for British soldiers and their families who died while serving in Hanover, it's located in the city of Hanover and is open to the public.