It’s been the location for a number of Royal events over the years, including the Queen’s funeral and the wedding of Prince William and Princess Catherine back in 2011. Now, it’s getting another honour by hosting the coronation of the King and Queen later on today. We look at how many coronations have been held at Westminster Abbey and when the first one was for William the Conqueror.
It’s been tied to the Royal Family for hundreds of years, and it looks as if that’s not set to change anytime soon. Hosting yet another coronation on its regal grounds, let’s take a look at just how many coronations it’s held in its walls, beginning with William the Conqueror’s Coronation.
How many coronations have been held at Westminster Abbey?
Westminster Abbey has hosted 38 coronations over almost 1000 years, crowning 39 monarchs under its roof.
Since being built, only two monarchs have not had their coronation in the abbey. This was Edward V, who was killed before he could officially be crowned and Edward VIII, the king before Elizabeth II’s father took the throne. The latter abdicated only 11 months after the death of his father, before the date of his coronation ceremony.
There has only ever been one joint coronation in Westminster Abbey. This was William III and Queen Mary II when they became joint monarchs in 1689. This will not be the case for King Charles III and Camilla Mountbatten-Windsor, as she becomes Queen Consort.
Between the 18th and 19th centuries, coronations become more of a public spectacle. However, some respect for the ceremony was lost. For example, many of the guests began eating during George III’s ceremony, while William IV didn’t want a coronation at all!
Appreciation was renewed in the event upon Queen Victoria’s Coronation in 1838, which respected the religious aspect of it. Queen Elizabeth II‘s Coronation was the first to be televised in British monarch history. Millions were able to watch for the first time around the globe.
The coronation this weekend marks the 40th monarch to officially ascend to the throne.
William the Conqueror had the first coronation at Westminster Abbey
Although it’s possible others held their ceremony in Westminster Abbey, the first recorded coronation was for William the Conqueror. This happened in 1066 on Christmas Day. It was the first time a fixed location had been set for the coronation.
The Archbishop of York is believed to have performed the ceremony in place of the Archbishop of Canterbury. After his win at the Battle of Hastings, he marched into London despite much resistance. As William the Conqueror’s Coronation took place, there was an immediate assassination attempt. Smoke also filled the abbey as riots broke out outside. Despite all that, the ceremony was completed and he became king.
King Charles will certainly be hoping for a much more peaceful ceremony, which begins at 11am today.
Because of its importance and connection to coronations, Henry III rebuilt the abbey. He wanted a much more Gothic style and made a large theatrical space in the building for spectators. This then became the Westminster Abbey we know today. The first monarch crowned in the rebuilt church was Edward I in 1274.
The ceremony in Westminster Abbey will be led by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby. It will begin after the King’s Procession from Buckingham Palace.
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