Coronations

References in the public records to coronations date back to the
late 12th century spanning almost the entire length of continuous
records held in The National Archives. Initially, the records
simply provided financial information or a note that a new king had
come to the throne. However, as the state sought to make this
religious ceremony more 'official', the records were considerably
expanded and better stored to ensure correct procedure. It was also
important that precedent was strictly followed and that there
should be no unnecessary delay. This talk looks as the records of
the most significant changes and events in the history of the
coronation and also at such matters as claims to participate in the
service, the regalia, music, seating arrangements and even traffic
control. Dr Adrian Ailes is a Principal Early Modern Records
Specialist at The National Archives with a particular interest in
seals and heraldry.