George I (George Louis; 28 May 1660 – 11 June 1727) was King of Great Britain and King of Ireland, from 1 August 1714 until his death. He was also the Archbannerbearer (afterwards Archtreasurer) and a Prince Elector of the Holy Roman Empire. Born in Hanover, Germany, he was the first British monarch of the House of Hanover. Though many aspirants bore a closer relationship to Queen Anne, his mother Sophia of Hanover was designated heir by the Act of Settlement 1701 because of their Protestant faith. However Sophia predeceased Anne, leaving the way for George to become king in 1714.