Today, the typical image of King George III of England – perpetuated by his show-stealing portrayal in the hit musical Hamilton – is of 'the mad king who lost the colonies.' In the Declaration of Independence, he was a 'tyrant' guilty of a host of 'injuries and usurpations' against the American colonists. This portrayal is of questionable accuracy, but the king certainly became a focal point for Patriots' anger.

They tore down a statue of King George on horseback, which stood in Bowling Green, New York. Made of lead and tin, it was melted down and made into more than 42,000 musket balls to be used by revolutionary forces.

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19 facts you never knew about the American Revolution