Coronation Chair: Oldest Piece Of British Furniture Still In Use
The Coronation Chair in Westminster Abbey, London is one of the most famous pieces of furniture in the world.
The iconic chair is one of the oldest relics in British history - and the oldest piece of British furniture still in use.
It has been the centrepiece of coronations for more than 700 years when it is placed in the centre of Westminster Abbey, in front of the High Altar.
The historic chair was commissioned by King Edward I in 1296 for the purpose of housing the legendary Stone of Scone, also known as the Stone of Destiny.
The Stone of Scone was a revered symbol of Scottish and later British monarchy, believed to have been used in the coronation of Scottish and English monarchs for centuries.
The Coronation Chair's design is simple and austere, in stark contrast to the ornate surroundings of Westminster Abbey.
Carved from oak, the chair features a wooden canopy, known as a "tester," which has an embossed design depicting quatrefoils, symbols of the four Evangelists.
Its sturdy construction is a testament to its durability, as it has been preserved for over seven centuries.
The stone's history is as captivating as the chair itself.
For centuries, it was an essential element in the coronation ceremonies of Scottish and English monarchs.
Scottish monarchs believed that it conferred legitimacy to their rule.’
In 1296, King Edward I captured the Stone of Scone during his campaign in Scotland and had it incorporated into the Coronation Chair, where it remained until 1996.
Over the years, the Coronation Chair has accumulated a wealth of legends and mysteries.
One of the most famous is the tale of a prophecy that states that "Should the Coronation Chair and the Stone of Scone ever be separated, disaster will befall the monarchy."
Whether a legend or a genuine prophecy, it is a fact that the Stone of Scone was stolen in 1950 and later recovered, fuelling the myth's enduring allure.
The Coronation Chair has undergone several restorations and repairs over the centuries to ensure its continued use in coronation ceremonies.
Most of the graffiti on the back part of the Chair is the result of Westminster schoolboys and visitors carving their names in the 18th and 19th centuries.
One of the tourists carved "P. Abbott slept in this chair 5-6 July 1800" on the seat.
A bomb attack in 1914, thought to be organised by the Suffragettes, even knocked a small corner off it.
However, it has since been modified and refurbished to accommodate changing tastes and functional requirements.
Today, it resides in Westminster Abbey's St. George's Chapel, where it is displayed to the public as a historical artefact.
Westminster Abbey is a magnificent, world-famous building and England’s most important church.
It has been the site of every coronation since that of William The Conqueror in 1066.
It was here fifty years ago, on June 2nd 1953 that Queen Elizabeth II was crowned.
To visit Westminster Abbey, you'll need to book ticket in advance via their official website - it's certainly a 'must see' destination for you next visit to London!
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