Coronation of King Richard III and his Queen Consort Anne
The Coronation of King Richard III and Anne Neville as his Queen took place on 6 July 1483. Their ceremonyis regarded as one of the most magnificent coronation ceremonies to have been held in Medieval England.
Richard’s entourage of 7 men wore gowns of two halves, perhaps resulting from Edward’s gowns being altered.
The Queen was accompanied by the Duchess of Norfolk, Countess of Richmond, and other ladies-in-waiting.
The ceremony began as the royal couple took their places in the seats of state. A specially prepared service opened the proceedings. Following this was the solemnity of the anointing. They were anointed by Cardinal Bourchier and then dressed in golden robes of state.
As they took their seats, they were blessed with prayers and incense. Richard had the orb and sceptres of state placed into his hands. Leading bishops and nobles made clear their loyalty to the newly crowned King and Queen before a high mass was heard.
A grand procession to Westminster Hall followed the mass, a first chance for the commons to see their newly crowned royal couple. In the hall, a ceremonial banquet was held. The highlight of which was the King’s Champion, Sir Robert Dymock, entering on horseback in armour and challenging anyone to question Richard’s right to be King. After a brief pause, the hall erupted into cries of ‘King Richard’.
The splendour and magnificence of the event did not awe everybody, though. Contemporary chronicler Fabyan noted of the occasion that some lords:
now murmered and grudged against him, in such wise that few or none favoured his party except it were for dread or for the great gifts they received from him.
Other Coronation ceremonies of the late Medieval period
Coronation of Margaret of Anjou
Coronation of Elizabeth Woodville