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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.

Spotlight on coronations

Coronations have taken place at Westminster Abbey for nearly 1,000 years. Discover the key objects and spaces that are essential to coronations past and present, guided by experts from Westminster Abbey.

Let’s start with the basics. What happens at a coronation and why do they take place at Westminster Abbey? Watch this short introduction to coronations to get you up to speed.

Illustration of a fictional coronation as if viewed from the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Galleries within Westminster Abbey.

Spotlight on coronations: An introduction

Photograph from above of the coronation theatre, including the Cosmati Pavement, the High Altar, the top of the pulpit and an area with seating.

Coronation Theatre

Photograph of two pages of the Liber Regalis, the guide to the coronations, on display at Westminster Abbey. The left illumination shows a king being crowned, surrounded by members of the clergy, while the right side shows a page of medieval Latin writing with an illustrative border.

The Liber Regalis

Photograph of multiple Coronation Order of Services at Westminster Abbey

Order of Service

Photograph of the Coronation Chair in St George's Chapel in Westminster Abbey

Coronation Chair

Photograph of replica ampulla, an eagle shaped container within the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Galleries at Westminster Abbey

Ampulla and spoon

Photograph looking up at the organ in Westminster Abbey, representing music at coronations

Music

Photograph of the replica royal regalia, including two crowns, an orb and sceptres displayed in the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Galleries at Westminster Abbey

Royal regalia

See the objects and spaces

Visit Westminster Abbey and the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Galleries in real life to explore the objects and spaces which feature in coronations.

Book your experience today.

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Having a daily relationship with a 1000 year old garden is a joy.

Jan - Head Gardener