Coronations at the Abbey

Photograph looking down on the High Altar, Cosmati Pavement and Quire within Westminster Abbey.

Photograph of an open bound manuscript, the Liber Regalis, on display in Westminster Abbey. The left hand page contains medieval Latin text in red. The right hand page is an illumination of a queen being crowned, surrounded by members of the clergy.

Highlights

Special Coronation events announced

A special programme of events has been announced including a new guided tour: Crown and Church, which will allow visitors to walk on the Cosmati pavement for the first time in living memory.

Find out about the events

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Highlights

Spotlight on coronations - Coronation Theatre

This space within the Abbey is where coronations have taken place for hundreds of years.

Explore this coronation stage

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Highlights

Spotlight on coronations - Liber Regalis

This highly decorated manuscript from the 14th century has guided the understanding of coronations at the Abbey for centuries.

Read about this medieval manual

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A history of coronations

There have been 38 coronations at Westminster Abbey since 1066 and 39 monarchs crowned.

A black and white image of the coronation of King Georg II. He is sat next to the Queen Consort on the coronation chair surrounded by onlookers

History of coronations

Find out about this ancient ceremony, its meaning and significance.

Read a brief history

A portrait of Queen Elizabeth I. She is wearing an elaborate cream dress with jewels and ruff

Kings and Queens

Learn about the life and times of those who have been crowned at the Abbey.

A list of monarchs

The Coronation Chair

Discover more about the centrepiece of coronations for over 700 years.

History of the chair

Queens Consort at the Abbey

Explore the lives of these remarkable women.

Discover all 28 consorts

Depiction of George IV's coronation at Westminster Abbey

Coronations explained

Find out answers to a range of coronation questions and queries.

Coronation guide

The King's Coronation

The Coronation is a solemn religious service, as well as an occasion for celebration and pageantry.

King Charles III shaking hands with the The Dean of Westminster David Hoyle. Both are wearing maroon robes

About His Majesty The King

Read the full biography

The high Altar on the Abbey. A gold-gilded panel is at the back and an altar and candlesticks appear in front.

Coronation confirmed

Ceremony set for 6th May

Theology of Monarchy

Watch the lecture

Coronation news

Read all news articles

Colourful illustration of the Recognition at King George IV's coronation. The coronation chair is in the centre, surrounded by members of clergy and the congregation seated in large stands within Westminster Abbey.

Coronation objects and spaces

Discover the essential components of coronations past and present, guided by Abbey experts. These objects and spaces have played a key role in crowning new monarchs.

Spotlight on coronations