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.