From the crowning of Charles III, thirty-nine coronations have been held in Westminster Abbey since the Norman Conquest. Only two monarchs – Edward V and Edward VIII – were uncrowned, and a further twenty or so Scottish monarchs were crowned elsewhere, usually at either Scone Abbey or Holyrood Abbey.
In The Throne, Ian Lloyd turns his inimitable, quick-witted style to these key events in British royal history, providing fascinating anecdotes and interesting William the Conqueror's Christmas Day crowning, during which jubilant shouts were mistaken by his guards as an assassination attempt; the dual coronation of William and Mary in 1689; the pared-back 'Half Crown-ation' of William IV; and the televised spectacle of Elizabeth II's 1953 ceremony.
Detailing everything from the famous Coronation Chair made for Edward I and the Crown Jewels to the infamously uncomfortable Gold State Coach – this is a truly spectacular celebration of British culture and the ultimate pomp of royalty.
Ian Lloyd has been a professional writer and photographer for nearly two decades, producing illustrated articles for Britain’s leading newspapers and magazines, as well as syndicating material to over 30 countries. During this period he has photographed every member of the Royal Family as well as iconic figures from Nelson Mandela and Elizabeth Taylor to the Dalai Lama.
Ian was born in Lymm, Cheshire. He has a degree in Medieval and Modern History from the University of Nottingham as well as diplomas in photography, management and bookselling. After graduating he became a retail manager for Blackwell’s, the prestigious Oxford-based bookselling group, going on to become Training Officer for the group’s 70 shops.
Worth a read. Although some of the coronations became a bit repetitive after a while (of course!). I would have liked more detail on Charles III but his was not included. Details the coronation of each Monarch, including what they ate for the banquet afterwards. Whether they dined at Westminster Hall or travelled from the Tower of London. And coronation day mishaps including putting the crown on the wrong way.