How old is the coronation chair and why is the Stone of Scone in it?
THE coronation chair is one of the oldest relics in British history.
The ancient seat is over 700 years old but what is special about it?
What is the coronation chair and how old is it?
The coronation chair, also known as King Edward’s Chair, is an ancient throne.
It is used during the coronation of British monarchs.
The chair is over 700 years old and was built after King Edward I made the order in 1296.
It is made out of oak and is decorated with patterns of birds, foliage and animals on a gilt ground.
Originally on the back of the chair was a painting of King Edward I with a lion resting on his feet, however that painting faded away over the years.
The painting was replaced with four gilt lions in 1727.
Where is the coronation chair stored and can you visit it?
The coronation chair is stored behind glass at St. George’s Chapel, located in Westminster Abbey.
Since it was built the chair has only left Westminster Abbey twice.
The first time was when Oliver Cromwell was appointed Lord Protector in Westminster Hall in 1657.
And during World War II the chair was removed out of security concerns.
When visiting Westminster Abbey it is possible to see the chair, however it might be obstructed or out of view at certain times during the year due to renovations.
Will the coronation chair still be used in King Charles’ coronation?
The coronation chair will be used in King Charles coronation, just like it was used in his ancestors’ coronations.
Krista Blessley, Westminster Abbey’s paintings conservator, told The Independent in March 2023 that she is working on cleaning and preserving the chair for the coronation.
She also discovered a few new details in the chair.
She said: “I think they are previously undiscovered toes in the punchwork gilding on the back of the chair.
“So there are areas of drapery where you can tell there would have been a figure.
“It might be they are figures of kings or it might be a figure of a saint, because so much is lost we can’t really tell at the moment but I’ll do some further investigation.”
Why is the Stone of Scone in the coronation chair?
The Stone of Scone or Stone of Destiny was stolen by King Edward I from Scotland and has been built into the chair.
Nowadays the Stone of Scone is not part of the chair anymore after it was returned to Scotland in 1996.
However it will take part in King Charles’ coronation on May 6, 2023.