Coronation Chair of Charles III: How old is it, what is it made of, when was it used, and how much is it worth?

This Saturday, May 6th, Charles III will be crowned as the new king of England. The successor of Queen Elizabeth II, who was head of state of the British country for more than half a century, will ascend to the throne and be officially proclaimed as monarch. Westminster Abbey will be the location where this event takes place.

The capital, London, is where this unique location is situated, which has a great history and is loaded with symbolism. In fact, there is a chair, known as the ‘Chair of St. Edward’ or ‘Coronation Chair’, in which the monarchs have been officially proclaimed as rulers of the country since 1300, starting with the coronation of Edward I.

The Coronation Chair, a piece with a lot of history

This chair is loaded with symbolism and history. Known as the ‘Chair of St. Edward’ or ‘Coronation Chair’, this piece, located in Westminster Abbey, where the coronation of Charles III will take place, was commissioned in 1296, for the coronation of another king, Edward I. The chair contains fragments of the well-known ‘Stone of Scone’, also known as the ‘Stone of Destiny’.

Oak and gold, some of the materials used for the chair

Used for the first time in the coronation of King Edward, it is made of oak and, in its original form, was covered with gold, in addition to various glass applications. This was colored and decorated with various elements, such as birds or foliage. Two meters high, as mentioned above, the passage of time has deteriorated this chair. The well-known ‘Stone of Destiny’ was located under it. Since 1996, this stone has been kept in Scotland. However, it should be mentioned that, when a coronation takes place, as pointed out by OK Diario, both elements are reunited.

The chair, used for all kinds of events

Coronations have not been the only occasions in which the Chair of St Edward, or the Coronation Chair, has been used. For example, the declaration of Oliver Cromwell as Lord Protector, which was celebrated in Westminster Hall in 1653. Likewise, Queen Victoria also used the chair, in this case in 1887, and in the Abbey. On that occasion, the monarch sat in it to celebrate the Golden Jubilee Service.

38 monarchs have been crowned on this chair

This is another of the most relevant aspects that surround this chair. As ‘House and Garden’ points out, up to 38 monarchs, since the creation of this chair, have been crowned on it.

St George’s Chapel, location of the chair

Another interesting detail to take into account about the Coronation Chair. In 1998, in the month of February, this element was moved to a pedestal near the tomb of Henry V, as announced by Westminster Abbey itself. Its previous location was the Chapel of St. Edward the Confessor. In April 2010, just a few years ago, this piece of furniture was moved again. This time, to St George’s Chapel, located in the west wing of the nave. For the coronation, this chair will be moved to occupy a central place in this event.