History

Richard I’s coronation took place in the Abbey on 3 September 1189 and is the first for which a detailed account exists, describing the ritual and giving the names of those who attended (the account is at the Bodleian Library in Oxford). The chronicler records how the Duke of Normandy (as Richard was called before he was actually crowned) was led in procession with “triumphal chanting” from the Palace of Westminster to the Abbey followed by a crowd of nobles, clergy and people. After the oath and anointing Richard himself took the crown from the altar and handed it to the Archbishop of Canterbury who then crowned him while two earls held up the crown as it was so heavy. After the Mass the king put on a lighter crown and vestments for the banquet which followed in Westminster Hall. The chronicler also records “evil omens” at the service – a bat fluttered around the king’s head during the ceremony and a mysterious peal of bells was heard.