Origins and Decoration
The Coronation Chair, a revered symbol of centuries-old tradition, holds a significant place in history as one of the most cherished and renowned pieces of furniture globally. Crafted by the command of Edward I, the chair was designed to enshrine the famed Stone of Scone, which the king brought from Scotland to Westminster Abbey in 1296. The chair, constructed between 1300-1301, boasts intricate adornments of birds, foliage, and animals on a gilt background, meticulously painted by Master Walter. Originally intended as a bronze piece, financial constraints led to its creation in oak. A regal figure, likely depicting either Edward the Confessor or Edward I, with feet resting on a lion, graced the chair’s back. The four gilt lions adorning the chair’s base were added in 1727, replacing the original lions introduced in the early 16th century.
History and Significance
Standing at a height of 2.05 meters (6 feet 9 inches), the Coronation Chair, accompanied by the Stone of Scone, has held a central role in coronation ceremonies for over 700 years. While debates persist regarding its exact usage for crowning ceremonies, its significance was firmly established from the coronation of Henry IV in 1399. Thirty-nine reigning monarchs have been crowned with the chair at Westminster Abbey, including William III and Mary, who were jointly crowned as monarchs. Notably, Edward V and Edward VIII never received coronation ceremonies. During the joint coronation of William III and Mary II in 1689, a special chair was crafted for Mary, while William utilized the ancient Coronation Chair.
Removal and Conservation Efforts
The chair witnessed significant events throughout history, including its removal from Westminster Abbey when Oliver Cromwell assumed the title of Lord Protector in Westminster Hall. Queen Victoria utilized the chair during the Golden Jubilee Services in 1887. Amid the tumult of World War II, the chair sought refuge in Gloucester Cathedral, while the Stone of Scone was clandestinely buried within the Abbey. Over the centuries, the chair endured damage from graffiti, with notable incidents including a bomb attack in 1914 attributed to the Suffragettes. Efforts to preserve the chair led to its relocation within St George’s Chapel in 2010 for essential conservation work supervised by the Hamilton Kerr Institute. The restoration revealed traces of vivid color on the chair’s surfaces, offering insights into its original appearance. The installation of a new plinth and canopy display designed by the Abbey’s Surveyor Ptolemy Dean in 2013 further enhanced its presentation within the chapel.
The Enigmatic Stone of Scone
The Stone of Scone, steeped in myth and legend, has been associated with various historical accounts, including ties to Jacob’s Pillow and the ancient Hill of Tara in Ireland. Its journey eventually led it to Scotland, where it served as the coronation stone for Scottish monarchs until its relocation to Westminster Abbey. Stolen by Scottish Nationalists in 1950, the stone was recovered and temporarily returned to Scotland in 1996, later reunited with the Coronation Chair for the coronation of King Charles III in 2023.
Conclusion
Thus, the Coronation Chair, once a symbol of enduring tradition and continuity, now stands empty after seven centuries, marking a poignant testament to England’s rich historical tapestry.
