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  • History / Coronations at the Abbey / Coronation stories
    • History of Westminster Abbey
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      • Celebrating the Commonwealth
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      • Celebrating St Edward
      • Battle of Britain 80th
      • The Nation's Memory
      • VE Day
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      • Thomas Brock 100th anniversary
      • A History of Royal Burials and Funerals
      • A reflection for Holy Week
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      • Portrait of a Dean
      • Bronte versus Brontë
      • The Abbey at War
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Coronation stories

Kings and Queens have been crowned in Westminster Abbey for almost a thousand years.

Discover a story from each of the 39 Coronation services held here since 1066.

8 minute read

Latest story: King Charles III

His Majesty The King is the oldest British monarch to be crowned.

  • About Charles III
ROYAL Coronation 12212404

His Majesty The King during the Coronation

© Picture Association

ROYAL Coronation 12212404

His Majesty The King during the Coronation

© Picture Association

1. William the Conqueror and the riot

William I - or William the Conqueror - was crowned here on Christmas Day 1066. He was proclaimed king in both English and French, but Norman soldiers outside the Abbey mistook the noise for an assassination attempt, leading to riots and houses being set on fire.

  • William the Conqueror

 

Black and white engraving of William I (The Conqueror) wearing a crown and holding a sword

William I

This image can be purchased from Westminster Abbey Library
Image © 2023 Dean and Chapter of Westminster

Image © 2025 Dean and Chapter of Westminster

Black and white engraving of William I (The Conqueror) wearing a crown and holding a sword

William I

This image can be purchased from Westminster Abbey Library
Image © 2023 Dean and Chapter of Westminster

Image © 2025 Dean and Chapter of Westminster

2. William II and the friend of the family

William II followed in the footsteps of his father William the Conqueror and was crowned in the Abbey in 1087. There’s no surviving account of who attended but the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle records that Archbishop Lanfranc – a close ally of the king’s father - performed the ceremony.

  • About William II
Illuminated manuscript depicting the crowning of William II

William II'S coronation

This image can be purchased from Westminster Abbey Library
Image © 2023 Dean and Chapter of Westminster

Image © 2025 Dean and Chapter of Westminster

Illuminated manuscript depicting the crowning of William II

William II'S coronation

This image can be purchased from Westminster Abbey Library
Image © 2023 Dean and Chapter of Westminster

Image © 2025 Dean and Chapter of Westminster

3. Henry I and the hunting accident

Henry I was with his brother William II when he was killed while hunting in the New Forest in August 1100. Keen to secure the succession over his older brother Robert, Henry immediately set out for London and was crowned in the Abbey by the Bishop of London.

  • About Henry I
King Henry I

Henry I portrait by unknown artist

© National Portrait Gallery, London [Creative Commons CC BY-NC-ND 3.0]

King Henry I

Henry I portrait by unknown artist

© National Portrait Gallery, London [Creative Commons CC BY-NC-ND 3.0]

4. Stephen and the 'good laws'

King Stephen was the nephew of Henry I. At his coronation on 26 December 1135 (St Stephen’s Day), he promised to all Englishmen 'all the liberties and good laws' which they had enjoyed under his predecessors.

  • About King Stephen
Stephen of Blois depicted seated, holding a church in one hand and a sceptre in the other

Stephen

This image can be purchased from Westminster Abbey Library
Image © 2023 Dean and Chapter of Westminster

[Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

Stephen of Blois depicted seated, holding a church in one hand and a sceptre in the other

Stephen

This image can be purchased from Westminster Abbey Library
Image © 2023 Dean and Chapter of Westminster

[Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

5. Henry II and the early heir

Henry II was crowned in the Abbey alongside his queen, Eleanor of Aquitaine, on 19 December 1154. His son, Henry the Younger, had a coronation in June 1170 in an attempt to settle the succession during his father's lifetime, but the young Henry died before his father.

  • About Henry II
Portrait of Henry II wearing a gold crown and necklace with a red cloak with white fur collar

King Henry II by Unknown artist

© National Portrait Gallery, London [Creative Commons CC BY-NC-ND 3.0]

Portrait of Henry II wearing a gold crown and necklace with a red cloak with white fur collar

© National Portrait Gallery, London [Creative Commons CC BY-NC-ND 3.0]

6. Richard I and the 'bad omens'

‘Bad omens’ are said to have blighted the Coronation of Richard I on 3 September 1189 – the first for which a detailed account survives. The omens included a bat fluttering around the king’s head and the Abbey’s bells ringing mysteriously without warning. 

  • About Richard I
About Richard I's Coronation

About Richard I's Coronation

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About Richard I's Coronation

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7. King John shows a lack of respect

When King John was crowned in the Abbey on 27 May 1199, he was said to have displayed 'unseemly levity' during the ceremony and left before receiving the Sacrament. His wife, Isabella of Gloucester, wasn't crowned with him and the marriage was later annulled.

  • About King John
King John

King John by Unknown artist

© National Portrait Gallery, London [Creative Commons CC BY-NC-ND 3.0]

King John

King John by Unknown artist

© National Portrait Gallery, London [Creative Commons CC BY-NC-ND 3.0]

8. Henry III's two Coronations

When Henry III was crowned in the Abbey in May 1220, it was in fact his second coronation. Political uncertainties meant a ceremony to secure his succession was hastily arranged at Gloucester Abbey, with the full ceremonial coronation following here more than three years later.

  • About Henry III
Bronze effigy of Henry III, wearing a crown, his head resting on a pillow

Henry III's tomb effigy

This image can be purchased from Westminster Abbey Library

Image © 2025 Dean and Chapter of Westminster

Bronze effigy of Henry III, wearing a crown, his head resting on a pillow

Henry III's tomb effigy

This image can be purchased from Westminster Abbey Library

Image © 2025 Dean and Chapter of Westminster

9. Edward I and the two-year wait

It seems that Edward I was in no hurry to hold his coronation. He was on his way home from a Crusade in 1272 when he heard he had become king upon the death of his father, but he and his queen, Eleanor of Castile, weren't crowned in the Abbey until August 1274.

  • About Edward I
Painting which may be Edward I wearing robes and a crown, and holding a sceptre

Edward I, possibly, from the Sedilia

This image can be purchased from Westminster Abbey Library

Image © 2025 Dean and Chapter of Westminster

Painting which may be Edward I wearing robes and a crown, and holding a sceptre

Edward I, possibly, from the Sedilia

This image can be purchased from Westminster Abbey Library

Image © 2025 Dean and Chapter of Westminster

10. Edward II and the tragic death

Edward II’s coronation in February 1308 was marred by crowd surges and a knight, Sir John Bakewell, was crushed to death. A lavish feast was held in Westminster Hall to celebrate the coronation, attended by English and French nobles.

  • About Edward II
Wax seal of Edward II depicting the King seated on a grand throne

Edward II seal

This image can be purchased from Westminster Abbey Library

Image © 2025 Dean and Chapter of Westminster

Wax seal of Edward II depicting the King seated on a grand throne

Edward II seal

This image can be purchased from Westminster Abbey Library

Image © 2025 Dean and Chapter of Westminster

11. Edward III, the teenage king

After his father, Edward III, was deposed and later murdered, Edward III was proclaimed Keeper of the Realm in January 1327. He was crowned in the Abbey the following month at the age of just 14.

  • About Edward III
Head of the gilt bronze tomb effigy of Edward III

Edward III tomb effigy head

This image can be purchased from Westminster Abbey Library

Image © 2025 Dean and Chapter of Westminster

Head of the gilt bronze tomb effigy of Edward III

Edward III tomb effigy head

This image can be purchased from Westminster Abbey Library

Image © 2025 Dean and Chapter of Westminster

12. Richard II and the first procession

Richard II was just 10 years old when he was crowned in July 1377. The day before the service he processed from the Tower of London to Westminster on horseback through crowded streets decorated with banners and tapestries - the first ever coronation procession.

  • About Richard II
Portrait of Richard II seated on a throne, wearing a crown and holding a sceptre and orb

Richard II portrait

This image can be purchased from Westminster Abbey Library

Image © 2025 Dean and Chapter of Westminster

Portrait of Richard II seated on a throne, wearing a crown and holding a sceptre and orb

Richard II portrait

This image can be purchased from Westminster Abbey Library

Image © 2025 Dean and Chapter of Westminster

13. Henry IV, an Abbey Coronation and death

Henry IV was crowned in the Abbey in October 1399 and was later to die here too. It had been prophesied that he would die in Jerusalem but he was taken ill while praying in the Abbey in 1413 and died in a room in the Abbot's House called the Jerusalem Chamber.

  • About Henry IV
Painting of Henry IV in imperial robes, holding a sceptre

Painting of Henry IV

This image can be purchased from Westminster Abbey Library

Image © 2025 Dean and Chapter of Westminster

Painting of Henry IV in imperial robes, holding a sceptre

Painting of Henry IV

This image can be purchased from Westminster Abbey Library

Image © 2025 Dean and Chapter of Westminster

14. Henry V and the snowy spring

Even though Henry V’s coronation took place in spring – on 9 April 1413 - it was reported that snow fell during the day. This was taken by some to mean there were hard times ahead.

  • About Henry V
Stone carving of Henry V charging into battle on his horse

Henry V on his charger

This image can be purchased from Westminster Abbey Library

Image © 2025 Dean and Chapter of Westminster

Stone carving of Henry V charging into battle on his horse

Henry V on his charger

This image can be purchased from Westminster Abbey Library

Image © 2025 Dean and Chapter of Westminster

15. Henry VI, the baby king

Henry VI became king on the death of his father, Henry V, in 1422. He was just nine months old and the youngest person ever to succeed to the English throne. A regency council governed until Henry was crowned in the Abbey and vested with the powers of kingship when he was eight.

  • About Henry VI
Painting of Henry VI hands clasped, holding a gold crucifix on a chain around his neck

Henry VI portrait

© National Portrait Gallery, London [Creative Commons CC BY-NC-ND 3.0]

Painting of Henry VI hands clasped, holding a gold crucifix on a chain around his neck

Henry VI portrait

© National Portrait Gallery, London [Creative Commons CC BY-NC-ND 3.0]

16. Edward IV - one Coronation, two reigns

Edward IV had one coronation - in June 1461 - but two reigns as king. The first lasted until 1470 when he was deposed by Henry VI, but he regained the crown a year later in 1471.

  • About Edward IV
Portrait of Edward IV holding a ring in his hands

Edward IV portrait

This image can be purchased from Westminster Abbey Library

Image © 2025 Dean and Chapter of Westminster

Portrait of Edward IV holding a ring in his hands

Edward IV portrait

This image can be purchased from Westminster Abbey Library

Image © 2025 Dean and Chapter of Westminster

17. Richard III and the mother of the future king

Among those at Richard III’s Coronation in July 1483 was Lady Margaret Beaufort, who carried the train of the queen’s dress. Margaret was the mother of Henry Tudor, who would later defeat Richard at the Battle of Bosworth to become king.

  • About Richard III
Engraving of Richard III

Richard III portrait

This image can be purchased from Westminster Abbey Library

Image © 2025 Dean and Chapter of Westminster

Engraving of Richard III

Richard III portrait

This image can be purchased from Westminster Abbey Library

Image © 2025 Dean and Chapter of Westminster

18. Henry VII, crowned and buried in the Abbey

Henry VII was crowned here in October 1485 and married Elizabeth of York the next year. They lie buried together in the Abbey’s magnificent Lady Chapel, commissioned by Henry and consecrated in 1516.

  • About Henry VII
Gilt bronze effigies of Henry VII and Elizabeth of York atop their elaborately decorated tomb

Henry VII and Elizabeth tomb effigies

This image can be purchased from Westminster Abbey Library

Image © 2025 Dean and Chapter of Westminster

Gilt bronze effigies of Henry VII and Elizabeth of York atop their elaborately decorated tomb

Henry VII and Elizabeth tomb effigies

This image can be purchased from Westminster Abbey Library

Image © 2025 Dean and Chapter of Westminster

19. Henry VIII and his grandmother's ceremony

The Coronation of Henry VIII and Katherine of Aragon in June 1509 was met with festivities across the country. The service was led by the Archbishop of Canterbury, William Warham, with the ceremony organised by the king's grandmother, Lady Margaret Beaufort.

  • About Henry VIII
Black and white engraving of Henry VIII, showing scenes and symbols of his reign in various panels

Henry VIII engraving

This image can be purchased from Westminster Abbey Library

Image © 2025 Dean and Chapter of Westminster

Black and white engraving of Henry VIII, showing scenes and symbols of his reign in various panels

Henry VIII engraving

This image can be purchased from Westminster Abbey Library

Image © 2025 Dean and Chapter of Westminster

20. Edward VI and the Protector

Edward VI succeeded his father, Henry VIII, when he was just 9 years old and was crowned in the Abbey in February 1547. As he was a minor a Regency was created and his uncle, Edward Seymour, later Duke of Somerset, became Protector.

  • About Edward VI
Edward VI as a boy, dressed in red and yellow robes

Edward VI of England c.1546

[Public domain] via Wikimedia Commons

Edward VI as a boy, dressed in red and yellow robes

Edward VI of England c.1546

[Public domain] via Wikimedia Commons

21. Mary I and the new Chair

The Coronation of Mary I in October 1553 was attended by both Anne of Cleves and the future Elizabeth I. Uneasy at the idea of being crowned in the Coronation Chair used by her Protestant brother Edward VI at his coronation, it's thought a new one was sent to her by the Pope.

  • About Mary I
About Mary I's Coronation

About Mary I's Coronation

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About Mary I's Coronation

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22: Elizabeth I and the astrologer

Elizabeth I was crowned in the Abbey on 15 January 1559 - a date chosen by her astrologer John Dee. Huge crowds welcomed her procession though the city the day before the service, and afterwards she was greeted with the sound of drums and bells as she was presented to the people.

  • About Elizabeth I
White marble tomb effigy of Elizabeth I wearing a crown and holding a sceptre and orb

Elizabeth I tomb effigy

This image can be purchased from Westminster Abbey Library

Image © 2025 Dean and Chapter of Westminster

White marble tomb effigy of Elizabeth I wearing a crown and holding a sceptre and orb

Elizabeth I tomb effigy

This image can be purchased from Westminster Abbey Library

Image © 2025 Dean and Chapter of Westminster

23. James VI and I uniting Scotland and England

The crowning of James VI and I in 1603 united the kingdoms of Scotland and England. It is only since James' coronation that the ancient Coronation Chair has always been used for both anointing and crowning with some earlier monarchs using it for just one part of the ceremony.

  • About James I
James I wearing a crown, white robes, a red velvet cloak and holding a sceptre and orb

James I (colour engraving)

This image can be purchased from Westminster Abbey Library

Image © 2025 Dean and Chapter of Westminster

James I wearing a crown, white robes, a red velvet cloak and holding a sceptre and orb

James I (colour engraving)

This image can be purchased from Westminster Abbey Library

Image © 2025 Dean and Chapter of Westminster

24. Charles I and the earthquake

A number of things didn’t go to plan for King Charles I during his Coronation at Westminster Abbey, but no one could have foreseen a shift in the tectonic plates.

  • About Charles I
About Charles I's Coronation

About Charles I's Coronation

play button Play video

About Charles I's Coronation

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25. Charles II and the new regalia

Following the restoration of the monarchy, Charles II was crowned in April 1661. New regalia had to be made as the previous set had been destroyed during the Commonwealth period. Samuel Pepys, the famous diarist, was at the service and described it as 'a most magnificent sight'.

  • About Charles II
Wax effigy of Charles II with brown curly hair, black velvet cloak, hat with feathers in it and red sash

Charles II wax effigy

This image can be purchased from Westminster Abbey Library

Image © 2025 Dean and Chapter of Westminster

Wax effigy of Charles II with brown curly hair, black velvet cloak, hat with feathers in it and red sash

Charles II wax effigy

This image can be purchased from Westminster Abbey Library

Image © 2025 Dean and Chapter of Westminster

26. James II and the bad omens

The Coronation of James II in April 1685 is another service said to have been blighted by bad omens. At one point, the crown appeared to be about to fall off the king's head and at the moment of crowning the Royal Standard at the Tower of London was torn by the wind.

  • About James II
A portrait of James II . Text: James II and the early Coronation. 23rd April 1685

About James II's Coronation

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About James II's Coronation

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27. William III and Mary II - the only joint monarchs

William III and Mary II were crowned as joint monarchs in April 1689 - the first and only time in English history this has happened. William was crowned in the ancient Coronation Chair so a new chair had to be specially made for Mary, and this survives in the Abbey collection.

  • About William III
  • About Mary II
About William III and Mary II's Coronation

About William III and Mary II's Coronation

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About William III and Mary II's Coronation

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28. Anne I and the bout of gout

When Queen Anne was crowned in April 1702, she was unable to walk into the Abbey for the service as she was suffering from gout. Instead, she was carried into the church by Yeomen of the Guard on an open chair.

  • About Anne I
Wax effigy of Queen Anne wearing a crowing and holding a sceptre and orb

Queen Anne wax effigy

This image can be purchased from Westminster Abbey Library

Image © 2025 Dean and Chapter of Westminster

Wax effigy of Queen Anne wearing a crowing and holding a sceptre and orb

Queen Anne wax effigy

This image can be purchased from Westminster Abbey Library

Image © 2025 Dean and Chapter of Westminster

29. George I - the king who couldn't speak English

George I succeeded his cousin Queen Anne and came from his home in Hanover - where he was Elector - to be crowned in the Abbey in 1714. The ceremony was conducted mostly in Latin as the king could not speak much English and his ministers didn't speak German.

  • About George I
Painting of George I wearing imperial robes

George I, 1714 by Godfrey Kneller [Public domain]

Godfrey Kneller [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

Painting of George I wearing imperial robes

Godfrey Kneller [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

30. George II and the dress of jewels

George II was crowned with his wife, Caroline of Ansbach, in October 1727. The queen's dress was so encrusted with jewels that a pulley had to be devised to lift the skirt so she could kneel at various points in the ceremony.

  • About George II
Painting of George II in imperial robes, sat on the throne, holding a sceptre

George II (oil on canvas), Hudson, Thomas (1701-79)

The Trustees of the Goodwood Collection / Bridgeman Images

Painting of George II in imperial robes, sat on the throne, holding a sceptre

The Trustees of the Goodwood Collection / Bridgeman Images

31. George III and Archbishop Secker

George III was baptised, confirmed, married and crowned by the same person – Archbishop of Canterbury Thomas Secker. This is thought to be the only time this has happened.

  • About George III
About George III's Coronation

About George III's Coronation

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About George III's Coronation

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32. George IV and the banned Queen Consort

Depiction of the crowning of George IV, the king seated on the Coronation Chair

About George IV's Coronation

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About George IV's Coronation

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33. William IV and the 'half-crownation'

William IV’s Coronation in September 1831 was known as the ‘Half-Crownation’ because the ceremony was so scaled back. There was no usual coronation banquet as the king decided it was too expensive.

  • About William IV
Painting of William IV in military uniform

King William IV by Sir Martin Archer Shee

National Portrait Gallery, London

Painting of William IV in military uniform

National Portrait Gallery, London

34. Victoria and the wrong finger

A young Queen Victoria wearing a crown, white dress and red and blue cloak

About Victoria's Coronation

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About Victoria's Coronation

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35. Edward VII and the postponed Coronation

Depiction of Edward VII walking through Westminster Abbey in his coronation robes

About Edward VII's Coronation

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About Edward VII's Coronation

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36. George V and the procession spectators

For the coronation of George V and Queen Mary in June 1911, more than 50 grandstands were built for spectators along the route of the processions to the Abbey. The 6,000 people attending the service itself each received a copy of the invitation pictured here.

  • About George V
Invitation to the Coronation of King George V and Queen Mary with an angel and coats of arms

George V coronation invitation

Image © 2025 Dean and Chapter of Westminster

Invitation to the Coronation of King George V and Queen Mary with an angel and coats of arms

Image © 2025 Dean and Chapter of Westminster

37. George VI and the hidden sandwiches

The day of the Coronation of George VI in May 1937 was a long one for some. Abbey staff began work at 4.00am and guests started arriving from 6.00am. Peers were said to have hidden sandwiches in their coronets to sustain them through the morning.

  • About George VI
Queen Elizabeth, George VI and the Dean of Westminster lead a procession holding bunches of flowers

George VI and Queen Elizabeth attend Westminster Abbey's Maundy service, 1946

Image © 2025 Dean and Chapter of Westminster

Queen Elizabeth, George VI and the Dean of Westminster lead a procession holding bunches of flowers

Image © 2025 Dean and Chapter of Westminster

38. Elizabeth II and the Coronation Chair cat

About Elizabeth II's Coronation

About Elizabeth II's Coronation

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About Elizabeth II's Coronation

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More Coronation history

Black and white portrait of Queen Margaret of Anjou wearing a crown

About the Queens Consort

Discover more about the queens consort crowned in the Abbey over the last 1,000 years. Each has their own fascinating story.

Find out more about each consort

It’s a privilege to live and work here – the Abbey really is the heart of the country and its history.

Martin - The Dean’s Verger

 
Westminster Abbey
Westminster Abbey is a UNESCO World Heritage Site
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