Burney recalled some interesting facts about the origins of the anthem for the benefit of his friend Sir Joseph Banks, the naturalist. Thomas Arne compiled Drury Lane’s version in September 1745, and one of his younger pupils, Charles Burney, produced the setting for Covent Garden. They had been published in 1744 in the Thesaurus Musicus. Cibber noted: “The Rebellion so far from being a disadvantage to the playhouses, brings them very good houses.” Soon the anthem was being sung as far afield as Bath.
Benjamin Victor, the linen merchant, wrote to his friend Garrick, who was ill in the country: “The stage is the most loyal place in the three kingdoms,” and Mrs. The Daily Advertiser reported: “The universal applause sufficiently denoted in how just an Abhorrence they (the audience) hold the Arbitrary Schemes of our invidious enemies.” The other theatres were quick to follow Drury Lane. Cibber, Beard and Reinhold -stepped forward and began a special anthem: Three of the leading singers of the day-Mrs. At its conclusion there was an additional item. That evening they gave a performance of Jonson’s The Alchemist. An example of popular feeling was given on September 28th when the entire male caste of Drury Lane theatre announced their intention of forming a special unit of the Volunteer Defence Force.
Charles Edward, the Young Pretender, had routed Cope at Prestonpans, and was about to invade England London was preparing to defend itself and its Hanoverian rulers. In that month, demonstrations of loyalty to the reigning house were in special demand. The origins of “God Save the Queen” are lost in obscurity, but there is no doubt whatever that the words and the tune, as we know them today, suddenly became widely popular in September, 1745. As reproduced in The Gentleman's Magazine, 1745.