Europe, UK (Commonwealth Union) – For the very first time in history, individuals will have the opportunity to delve into a digitized rendition of the Coronation Roll thanks to an innovative project by the UK Government. Serving as the official State documentation of a monarch’s ascension and Coronation, the Roll meticulously captures various facets including the accession of the King, the intricacies of Coronation planning, and a vivid portrayal of the ceremony itself. These rolls encapsulate the monarch’s pledge to govern in accordance with the realm’s customs and laws, along with detailing the ceremonial proceedings such as prayers, services, blessings, and the esteemed guests in attendance. Across centuries, the Clerk of the Crown in Chancery has been entrusted with authoring these significant records.
The tradition of crafting rolls for monarchs’ coronations traces its origins back to Edward II in 1308, initially scribed in Latin and French, later transitioning to English from the seventeenth century onward. Notably, Charles III’s Coronation Roll marks a pioneering moment as the first to undergo digitization, opening avenues for future generations to engage with its historical richness.
Visitors to the dedicated platform will have access to a wealth of multimedia content, including videos and photographs capturing the Coronation spectacle, alongside exclusive interviews featuring key participants such as Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, Lord President of the Council Penny Mordaunt, and Earl Marshal, the Duke of Norfolk.
Authored by Antonia Romeo, the Clerk of the Crown in Chancery, Charles III’s Coronation Roll stands as a testament to meticulous craftsmanship. Handwritten by calligrapher Stephanie Gill and adorned by heraldic artist Timothy Noad, it features emblematic symbols of the United Kingdom, including the English rose, Scottish thistle, Welsh leek, and Northern Irish Shamrock. Notably, this rendition is crafted on high-quality animal product-free paper, departing from the traditional vellum material.
Deputy Prime Minister, Oliver Dowden, says “The Coronation Roll is a beautifully illustrated record and an important document of the accession and Coronation of Their Majesties The King and Queen.”
