“1000 Years of Coronations” – March 2023

The Day of Special Interest held on Friday 31 March 2023 had three lectures on “1000 Years of Coronations”.  It was held at The Warwickshire Country Club, Leek Wootton, CV35 8BT, and the presenter was Barbara Askew who is a historian and Blue Badge guide.

During this Study Day, Barbara talked about the evolution of the Coronation ceremony from Saxon times up to the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II.  She described the stages of the coronation from the Proclamation through to the Homage and gave an account of the fascinating incidents, ill omens and memorable mishaps that have occurred at coronations over a thousand years.  The different items of Coronation Regalia were described with an explanation of their history, ceremonial significance and liturgical symbolism.  There was then an entertaining insight into the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II on June 2nd 1953, the first to be witnessed by the people by the new medium of television.

It was an extremely informative day with a lot of relevance for the Coronation of King Charles III

Susan Dunnett
Days of Special Interest co-ordinator