The Origins of British Coronations

British Coronations





King Edgar and St Dunstan

What is a Coronation?:  A coronation is a ceremony at which a person is made king or queen. It is is the public handing over of title and powers to a new monarch, usually with great pomp and celebration. The ceremony of the crowning a sovereign or a sovereign’s consort.

Coronations date back a number of centuries. The origins of the coronation of the British monarch lie with King Edgar the Peaceful or the Peaceable (c. 943 – 8 July 975). Edgar was crowned at Bath on 11 May 973 with his wife Ælfthryth some 14 or 15 years after he became King. Thus a precedent for a coronation of a queen in England also took place.

This imperial ceremony was to celebrate his reign, rather than a celebration of appointment and this was the start of the idea of the need to gain popular support for a new monarch from other contemporary regional reigning monarchs through acts of celebration. The ceremony was devised by Saint Dunstan based on ceremonies used by the Frankish kings and those used in the ordination of bishops. Several versions of coronation services, known as ordines or recensions have since evolved over time since then.

Pomp & Ceremony

Richard II
Coronation of Richard II

The 1377 coronation of 10 year old Richard II saw the evolution of the coronation to one which also sought to gain popular support for a new monarch from the general populous by making the ceremony a spectacle of pageantry for the ordinary people. The acts of public relations and regional diplomacy were both embellished with theatrics together.

The Anglo-Saxon monarchs used various locations for their coronations. These included Bath, Kingston upon Thames, London, and Winchester. The last Anglo-Saxon monarch, Harold II (c. 1022 – 14 October 1066), was crowned at Westminster Abbey on ‎6 January 1066. William the Conqueror, after successfully defeating Harold at the battle of Hastings (October 14, 1066), followed what had now become English tradition and was also crowned at Westminster Abbey the same day he became king on Christmas Day 1066. Since then the majority of coronations have taken place at Westminster Abbey.

Scottish Coronation Origins

Scottish coronations were traditionally held at Scone Abbey, with the king seated on the Stone of Destiny (Lia Fail). A few Scottish coronations were held at Holyrood, Kelso Abbeys, Stirling Castle and Kirk of the Holy Rude, Stirling. The Scottish coronations originated from rituals used by the kings governing parts of western Scotland and northeastern Ireland, on each side of the North Channel as well as and by the Picts from whom the Stone of Destiny came. It is probable the earliest coronation or inauguration was that of Aidan by Columba in 574.

James I Coronation

When James VI of Scotland became James I of England and Ireland, the Scottish and English crowns were unified on 24 March 1603.  Charles I and Charles II had two coronations, one in Scotland and one in England in different years. All monarchs that have followed have only had one coronation ceremony at Westminster Abbey. The presiding senior cleric of the coronation has usually been a bishop or archbishop. Since James VI and I the roles and responsibilities for officiating at the ceremony has been fulfilled by the Archbishop of Canterbury. Other ceremonial roles are performed by clergy and members of the nobility.

In general, the coronation usually takes place several months after the death of the previous monarch, in order to provide sufficient time for respectful mourning and time for organising such elaborate arrangements. The coronation of a monarch is considered a happy/joyous occasion thanks to King Edgar and those that followed.

Unique Ways to Use Old Photographs in Genealogy Research

Old family photographs are far more than keepsakes-they are rich historical documents that can unlock new avenues in genealogy research. Here are some unique and effective ways to leverage them:

1. Treat Photographs as Historical Records

  • Analyze photos just like you would any official document. Look for clues about dates, locations, and relationships by examining the image closely.

2. Compare Faces Across Multiple Photos

  • Lay out your collection and compare facial features across different images to identify unknown individuals or confirm family resemblances. This can help place people within family groups, especially when names are missing.

3. Study Clothing, Hairstyles, and Props

  • Examine the fashion, hairstyles, and accessories to estimate the time period and social status. Clothing trends and even the way people pose can provide valuable context about when and where the photo was taken.

4. Investigate Backdrops and Locations

  • Pay attention to the backgrounds, whether it’s a studio backdrop, a family home, or a recognizable landmark. These details can help pinpoint where the photo was taken and connect individuals to specific places.

5. Research Photographers and Studios

  • If a photographer’s name or studio is printed on the photo, research their location and years of operation. This can narrow down the timeframe and location of the photograph, helping you identify who could be in it.

6. Examine the Type and Format of the Photograph

  • Identify whether the photo is a cabinet card, carte de visite, or another format. Different types were popular at different times, helping you date the image and match it to the right generation.

7. Use Technology and AI Tools

  • Upload photos to platforms that use facial recognition or artificial intelligence to compare faces with other collections, potentially identifying unknown relatives or matching them with others in public databases.

8. Digitize and Add Metadata

  • Digitize your photos and add metadata such as names, dates, and locations. This not only preserves the images but also makes them searchable and shareable for future research7.

9. Group Photos by Family or Event

  • Arrange photos by family branch or significant events. This can reveal patterns, such as recurring friends or neighbors, and help establish relationships not documented elsewhere.

10. Look for Inscriptions and Annotations

  • Check the backs of photos for handwritten notes, signatures, or dates. Even small scribbles can be crucial for identifying people or events.

11. Use Photos to Break Down Brick Walls

  • When traditional records run dry, photos can provide new leads-such as identifying unknown people who appear repeatedly with your ancestors, suggesting close relationships.

12. Share and Collaborate

  • Share digitized photos with relatives or online genealogy communities. Others may recognize faces, places, or events, providing information you don’t have.

By treating old photographs as dynamic research tools-analyzing every detail, leveraging technology, and collaborating with others-you can uncover hidden stories and make meaningful connections in your family tree.