<P> In May 1800, following an attempt to assassinate King George III at London's Drury Lane theatre, playwright Richard Sheridan immediately composed an additional verse, which was sung from the stage the same night: </P> <P> From every latent foe From the assassin's blow God save the King O'er him Thine arm extend For Britain's sake defend Our father, king, and friend God save the King! </P> <P> Various other attempts were made during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries to add verses to commemorate particular royal or national events . For example, according to Fitzroy Maclean, when Jacobite forces bypassed Wade's force and reached Derby, but then retreated and when their garrison at Carlisle Castle surrendered to a second government army led by King George's son, the Duke of Cumberland, another verse was added . Other short - lived verses were notably anti-French, such as the following, quoted in the book Handel by Edward J. Dent: </P> <P> From France and Pretender Great Britain defend her, Foes let them fall; From foreign slavery, Priests and their knavery, And Popish Reverie, God save us all . </P>

When was god save the queen first sung