#quernmary

Queen Mary I of England (Coronation)

"[...] Mary was brought to the altar where she received the ornaments, her symbols of power: the sword, the sceptre and the orbs. She was crowned with the crown of Edward the Confessor, the imperial crown of the realm and with another, specially made for her, a vast yet simply designed crown with two arches, a large fleur-de-lis and prominent crosses. The choir then burst into a Te Deum.

Mary was crowned in a similar fashion to her male predecessors: ‘girt with a sword as when one is armed a knight, and a King’s sceptre was placed in one hand.’ But there were changes too. In the other hand was placed ‘a sceptre wont to be given to queens, which is surmounted by doves’. Also, in deference to her gender, she just touched the ceremonial spurs rather than having them placed upon her as they were put on Kings. Finally, the crimson mantle furred with ermine was fastened on her shoulders. Arrayed in her regalia, Mary was seated in St Edward’s Chair where she received the nobles, led by Gardiner, who paid homage to her as Queen.

At four o’clock that afternoon Mary emerged from the abbey as a crowned Queen of England.."

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Mary Tudor: England's First Queen by Anna Whitelock

Chapter 41 - God save the Queen Mary