By 1727 Handel was so well entrenched in London that, as George Frideric Handel, he became a naturalised British citizen (which required an act of Parliament).

ECONOMIST: Handel's anniversary

Other highlights are mourning rings for Vice Admiral Nelson, killed at the Battle of Trafalgar illustrated above center, and the composer George Frideric Handel illustrated above right.

FORBES: Historic Ring Collection Up For Auction

Within hours of landing, I had sat at the organ upon which George Frideric Handel played the London premiere of "Messiah, " stood in the poky little room where Charles Dickens wrote "Oliver Twist, " and accepted my award upon the very spot that the residence of Lord Peter Wimsey had once stood, at 110A Piccadilly.

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