National anthem

The British National Anthem, originally titled God save the King, is officially being sung as a musical patriotic statement since the early nineteenth century. [1]

Historical Accounts

Although it is stated as being publicly performed in London in 1745 for the first time, as part of the masque Alfred [2], it is believed to merely being revived at that time, actually occurring as early as 1609 as a celebration of King James I. [3] [the source used looks a bit untrustworthy - 1822? there should be more recent studies]

Since there have not only been Kings on Britain's throne but Queens as well, the lyrics keep being modified to fit to the current monarch's gender. That is why today the first stanza, which is the only verse sung on official occasions, goes as following:

God save our gracious Queen
Long live our noble Queen
God save the Queen
Send her victorious
Happy and glorious
Long to reign over us
God save the Queen [2]

Although authorship is pronounced unknown these days, there are accounts of attributing the original text and the melody to Dr. John Bull (1563-1622), chamber musician to King James I.[5]

Additonal Information

In contrast to Scotland and Wales, neither Northern Ireland nor England have an official national anthem individually. There is an attempt to change this, asking the English to vote for either Land of Hope and Glory (Edward Elgar), Jerusalem (words by William Blake) or I vow to Thee My Country(words by Cecil A. Spring-Rice). [3]

Sources

[1] http://www.royal.gov.uk/MonarchUK/Symbols/NationalAnthem.aspx
[2] ibid.
[3] Clark, Richard, ed. An Account of the National Anthem Entitled God Save the King!. London: n.p., 1822.
[4] http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1571287/God-Save-the-Queen-lyrics.html
[5] Timperley, C.H.A Dictionary of Printers and Printing with the Progress of Literature, Ancient and Modern; Bibliographical Illustrations, etc. etc. London: Johnson, et al. 1839.
[6] http://www.anthem4england.co.uk