A record fit for a king has been presented to King Charles III at Buckingham Palace – the Coronation Roll. This 70-foot-long hand-lettered scroll is the official record of his coronation that took place almost a year ago. The document, produced by heraldic artist Tim Noad and calligrapher Stephanie Gill over 56 days, consists of 56 pages stitched together by hand and contains about 11,600 words. It is the first to be printed on paper instead of vellum, reflecting the king’s views on animal welfare. The scroll details the coronation ceremony from the procession into Westminster Abbey to the anointing and crowning of the king, along with a list of all participants and official guests.
For the first time ever, a digital version of Charles’ scroll will be available to view online starting Friday. This online presentation will include a video and photos from the event, interviews with participants like Penny Mordaunt, and more. The physical scroll will be stored at the National Archives alongside 17 historic Coronation Rolls that have survived. Sean Cunningham, head of medieval records at the National Archives, explains that the previous rolls captured the relationships between the King and his subjects, and the new roll carries forward this tradition by incorporating oaths, homages, and a narrative of the coronation day. Queen Camilla joked about needing her glasses to read the document, to which King Charles III noted the improvement of having it in English compared to past rolls written in Latin and French.
The Coronation Roll tradition dates back to the coronation of Edward II in 1308, making it a significant historical record. The scroll serves as a detailed account of the coronation ceremony held on May 6, 2023, showcasing the grandeur and importance of the event. King Charles III expressed his gratitude towards the artisans who worked on the scroll and emphasized the importance of the document in recording such a significant moment in his reign. The decision to make a digital version available online marks a new chapter in the tradition, allowing wider accessibility and preservation of this important historical record for future generations.
The presentation of the Coronation Roll to King Charles III at Buckingham Palace was a momentous occasion, highlighting the craftsmanship and dedication of the artisans who worked on the document. The scroll’s significance as the official record of the king’s coronation and its detailed account of the ceremony underscores the importance of documenting such historic events. With the digital version now available online, more people will have the opportunity to engage with and learn from this important piece of history. The decision to print the scroll on paper reflects the king’s commitment to animal welfare, while still upholding the tradition and historical significance of the Coronation Roll.
The National Archives will house the physical scroll alongside other historic Coronation Rolls, preserving this important document for future generations. Sean Cunningham’s insights into the historical significance of the Coronation Rolls and the role they play in establishing relationships between the king and his subjects provide valuable context to the tradition. The online presentation of the Coronation Roll, complete with videos, photos, and interviews, offers a unique opportunity for viewers to immerse themselves in the grandeur and symbolism of the coronation ceremony. As King Charles III and Queen Camilla inspected the scroll, their reactions reflected the historical weight of the document, as well as the more light-hearted moments shared in its presence. Overall, the unveiling of the Coronation Roll symbolizes a merging of tradition and modernity, ensuring that this important historical record remains accessible and relevant in the digital age.
