In Chapter 32, we finally reach the moment everyone has been waiting for: “Edward” is finally going to be crowned king! Luckily the real Edward makes it just in the nick of time. Our Chapter 32 Historical Tidbit focuses on…
CORONATION DAY
Keep reading or watch the video below to learn more.
Really all of Chapter 32 is about the Coronation, but a few excerpts from the chapter are described here:
“Let us go backward a few hours, and place ourselves in Westminster Abbey, at four o’clock in the morning of this memorable Coronation Day … At last the final act was at hand. The Archbishop of Canterbury lifted up the crown of England from its cushion and held it out over the trembling mock-King’s head.” (p. 186, 189)
The Day Before the Coronation
- Saturday, February 19th, 1547
- Edward VI processed out of the Tower of London dressed in white velvet
- Included Edward’s servants/staff, nobility, council members, etc.
- Cheapside was richly decorated with many displays
Coronation Day
- Sunday, February 20, 1547
- Chronicler Charles Wriothesley recorded the details
- At 9:00am Edward traveled by barge to Whitehall, then to Westminster Abbey
- A stage had been built and the throne sat on it, with two cushions
- The traditional ceremony was condensed due to the king’s age (7 hours instead of 12)
- There was a banquet to follow
The Steps of the Formal Process
- Recognition and Oath
- Anointing – consecrated oil is used to make a cross on the monarch’s hands, head, and heart
- Investing – spurs/crown jewel (orb, sceptre, etc.) are given to the monarch
- Crowning
- Enthronement and Homage – monarch sits on throne and people present pay homage to him/her
- Closing Procession
Check us out on social media!
References
https://www.royal.uk/coronation
https://www.tudorsociety.com/20-february-1547-the-coronation-of-king-edward-vi/
https://www.theanneboleynfiles.com/the-coronation-of-edward-vi-20-february-1547/
Pontes Books 