Crown Jewels: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 17:29, 3 May 2010

The Crown Jewels of the United Kingdom, commonly referred to as the Regalia, contain a numner of items used at the coronation of a King or Queen. The collection includes, among other pieces, several crowns, sceptres, swords, orbs and robes. They are kept in the Jewel House of the Tower of London for safety storage.

History

Some pieces of the original Regalia could once be dated back to the times of Edward the Confessor. However, most of these items have been destroyed and melted down during the Civil War of 1649/50. Oliver Cromwell ordered the destruction of the Regalia after the execution of King Charles I in 1649 because "Cromwell was determined that these potent symbols of royalty and kingship should be completely eradicated"[1]. When Monarchy was restored in 1660, a new Regalia was ordered, which was modelled after the lost one.

The Crown Jewels were originally kept at Westminster Abbey for safety storage. Aftewr they were stolen from there, the place was deemed unsafe. The Crown Jewels then were relocated to the Tower of London where they have bben stored from the early fourteenth century until today.[2]

The Regalia

Various crowns belong to the collection of the Crown Jewels, although not all of them are used during the coronation ceremony. The most significant crown for the ceremony is St. Edward's Crown, which is used by the Archbishop of Canterbury to crown a King or Queen. This crown replaced the original crown destroyed by Cromwell.

The Imperial State Crown is the most famous crown of the collection. It has been remade at a number of occasions, the last time for the coronation of King George VI in 1937. It is worn by the Sovereign at the end of the coronation ceremony and at the Opening of Parliament. The Imperial State crown is encrusted with a number of famous stones including the Second Star of Africa, the Black Prince's Ruby and Queen Elizabeth's Pearls.[3]

The Golden Ampulla and Spoon, which is one of the few items that survived the destruction of the original Regalia, is used to annoint the Monarch with holy oil.

Also, a number of swords are used during the ceremony. The Great Sword of State, the Sword of Temporal Justice and the Sword of Mercy are carried before the Monarch at the entering of Westminster Abbey. The Sword of Offering is placed on the altar after the annointment.

Some items of the Regalia have a highly symbolic meaning. The Sceptre with a Cross represents the Monarch's temporal power under God. The Sceptre with a Dove represents equity and mercy. The Sovereign's Orb represents Christ's dominion over the world. The Spurs represent knightly chivalry, although they are not worn during the ceremony, and the Armills (bracelets) represent sincerity and wisdom.[3]

Sources

[1],[2],[4] http://www.royal.gov.uk/The%20Royal%20Collection%20and%20other%20collections/TheCrownJewels/Overview.aspx (03.05.2010)

[3] http://www.englishmonarchs.co.uk/crown_jewels.htm (03.05.2010)

@@ Line 4: / Line 4: @@
 Some pieces of the original Regalia could once be dated back to the times of Edward the Confessor. However, most of these items have been destroyed and melted down during the Civil War of 1649/50. Oliver Cromwell ordered the destruction of the Regalia after the execution of King Charles I in 1649 because "Cromwell was determined that these potent symbols of royalty and kingship should be completely eradicated"[1]. When Monarchy was restored in 1660, a new Regalia was ordered, which was modelled after the lost one.
-The Crown Jewels were originally kept at Westminster Abbey for safety storage. In 1303 they were stolen from the place and although most of the pieces could be retrieved later, the place was deemed unsafe. The Crown Jewels then were relocated to the Tower of London where they are stored until today.
+The Crown Jewels were originally kept at Westminster Abbey for safety storage. Aftewr they were stolen from there, the place was deemed unsafe. The Crown Jewels then were relocated to the Tower of London where they have bben stored from the early fourteenth century until today.[2]
 ==The Regalia==
@@ Line 10: / Line 10: @@
 The most significant crown for the ceremony is St. Edward's Crown, which is used by the Archbishop of Canterbury to crown a King or Queen. This crown replaced the original crown destroyed by Cromwell.
-The Imperial State Crown is the most famous crown of the collection. It has been remade at a number of occasions, the last time for the coronation of King George VI in 1937. It is worn by the Sovereign at the end of the coronation ceremony and at the Opening of Parliament. The Imperial State crown is encrusted with a number of famous stones including the Second Star of Africa, the Black Prince's Ruby and Queen Elizabeth's Pearls.[2]
+The Imperial State Crown is the most famous crown of the collection. It has been remade at a number of occasions, the last time for the coronation of King George VI in 1937. It is worn by the Sovereign at the end of the coronation ceremony and at the Opening of Parliament. The Imperial State crown is encrusted with a number of famous stones including the Second Star of Africa, the Black Prince's Ruby and Queen Elizabeth's Pearls.[3]
 The Golden Ampulla and Spoon, which is one of the few items that survived the destruction of the original Regalia, is used to annoint the Monarch with holy oil.
@@ Line 20: / Line 20: @@
 ==Sources==
-[1],[3] http://www.royal.gov.uk/The%20Royal%20Collection%20and%20other%20collections/TheCrownJewels/Overview.aspx (03.05.2010)
+[1],[2],[4] http://www.royal.gov.uk/The%20Royal%20Collection%20and%20other%20collections/TheCrownJewels/Overview.aspx (03.05.2010)
-[2] http://www.englishmonarchs.co.uk/crown_jewels.htm (03.05.2010)
+[3] http://www.englishmonarchs.co.uk/crown_jewels.htm (03.05.2010)