The Coronation Roll, the official record of the coronation of His Majesty King Charles III and Queen Camilla, has arrived at The National Archives where it will be preserved.
The ornate 21-metre roll records details of the Coronation ceremony at Westminster Abbey on 6th May 2023, including the prayers, promises and details of those who were present.
It was presented to King Charles and Queen Camilla at an event at the College of Arms in London.
The original consists of 11,500 inscribed words by calligrapher Stephanie von Werthern-Gill and intricate illustrations by artist Tim Noad on high quality Italian paper.
Traditionally the rolls were parchment made of animal skins stitched together to create a single long roll. King Charles and Queen Camilla’s Coronation Roll is the first to be made of paper.
The National Archives’ conservators were asked for advice on the best modern materials to use to ensure that the 2023 Roll lasts as long as some of the other rolls, which include those for the late Queen Elizabeth II and Queen Victoria.
The first was made 800 years ago in 1308 for King Edward II and Queen Isabella.
Its purpose, as with all Coronation Rolls since, was to record the oaths made by the new monarch and the oaths of allegiance made by those in attendance to the monarch.
Dr Sean Cunningham, Head of Collections, said: “Historically, it was related to power and the exercise of power. It’s on one hand an attendance list and it’s also really important for these people’s commitment to support the new monarch in the reign. In the past people could be held responsible for breaking that oath.”
A digital version is now available to consult here Coronation Roll of Charles III | The National Archives.
