Quadruple Alliance
The Emperor guarantees the Hanoverian succession and the succession of the Orleans. Austria, Britain, France & the Dutch sign an alliance
Permanent historical records · Updated 2026-11-03
1718 in Great Britain
Explore 16 historical events and records for Great Britain in 1718.
Historical records for Great Britain in 1718
Sorted by month and day. Records with no month are shown last. Showing 16 of 16 unique records.
16Unique records
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16Named events on this page
10Named people on this page
3Places on this page
August
Battle of Passaro
A British fleet under Admiral George Byng defeats a Spanish fleet of 26 men-of-war, 2 fireships, 4 bomb vessels, 7 galleys and several other ships with stores and provisions under Admiral Jose Antonio de Gaztaeta
Other events (month unknown)
Declaration of War
George I is threatened by a Jacobite invasion from Spain & declares war on Philip V
Further Family Instructor Published
A continuation of The Family Instructor appeared, extending Defoe's use of fictional dialogue for ethical lessons.
Halley Reports Stellar Proper Motion
Halley identified changes in the positions of bright stars by comparing ancient and modern astronomical observations.
Moves to Twickenham
Pope settled at Twickenham, where his house and garden became associated with his literary career.
Peerage
Created Viscount Fordwich and Earl Cowper
Poet Laureate
Appointed Poet Laureate
Stanhope Confers With French Regency
Stanhope worked with France on measures to restrain further conflict following the Spanish moves in Italy.
Stanhope Elevated To Earldom
Stanhope was created Earl Stanhope in recognition of his position within the government.
Stanhope Negotiates Four Power Alliance
Stanhope helped develop the diplomatic settlement that became the Quadruple Alliance opposing Spanish expansion in Italy.
Stanhope Returns To Northern Department
Stanhope resumed service as Northern Secretary while continuing to direct high-level diplomacy.
Stanhope Visits Madrid For Diplomacy
Stanhope took part in direct diplomatic discussions intended to resolve tensions with the Spanish government.
Twickenham Residence Established
Pope established his residence at Twickenham beside the Thames.
Walpole Opposes Government from Commons
Walpole used parliamentary debate to challenge ministers after leaving the Treasury.
Wren Removed As Surveyor General
Wren lost the office of Surveyor of the King's Works after decades directing royal construction.
How these records were prepared
Generated from the World History Database historical_events table. Identical display records are collapsed; descriptions otherwise retain the stored text. Coverage and source quality vary. Check primary and specialist sources before citing individual historical claims.