THE CORONATION THRONE.

Press, Volume LIX, Issue 11347, 9 August 1902, Page 6

THE CORONATION THRONE.

The ancient throne on which King Edward will be crowned is preserved in the Chapel of King Edward the Confessor in Westminster Abbey, and stands immediately behind, the screen of the High Altar. Tha venerable appearance of this throne accords well with the fact that it was constructed as far back as the reign of Edward I. No fewer than six Edwards have sat upon it. It is a high-backed chair of oak, evidently not made with much thought for the comfort of its occupant. It seems literally crumbling with antiquity, but is stronger than it looks, for it was ingeniously repaired and strengthened for the Jubilee service in 1887, without altering its ancient appearance in the least. But the feature which usually impresses the visitor most is the presence beneath the seat of the chair of the famous Stone of Scone, the emblem of the power of the Scottish kings, who for many years were enthroned upon it. It is also called "Jacob's Stone," on which tradition says the Patriarch slept in the Plain of Lux. It was brought from Scotland by Edward 1., and on it was an inscription to the effect that

"If fate go Tight, where'er this stone be found The Scots shall monarchs of that realm be

found." Thus this ancient throne of England includes the still more venerable stone throne of Scotland, and so forms an impressive emblem of the union of the two sister eountrisa.