Coornation Customs Old and New

Manawatu Times, Volume 62, Issue 81, 7 April 1937, Page 9

Coornation Customs Old and New

The British Monarchy has behind it a long tradition of unsurpassed magnificence and pomp, and today it stands alone in. this respect. Now her .1 else in the world is to bo seen such stately splendour, such gorgeous pageantry, as will be provided by the approaching Coronation. Nevertheless, the tendency during succeeding reigns, even in the Briti*-i House, has been towards steadily increasing simplicity; until with the pro sent King George we recognise a Monarch of whom this attitude is one of the most striking characteristics. Basically, the Coronation ritual lias remained unchanged for more than 80J years; but, one by one, many of the more spectacular usages connected wit a the crowning of the King of Great Britain have passed into disuse, ant the present Coronation is certain to add further instances to this rule. The practice of distributing Coronation mugs and medals, for example, cau hardly compare in pictureaquencss with “tho letting loose of 500 horses—catch them as catch might,’’ which, we arc told, was one of the magnificent gestures which marked the crowning of King Edw r ard I. Splendid as will undoubtedly be the Coronation banquet of our .present King, the Royal guests are unlikely fortunately for themselves, perhaps —1<» be faced with such an excessive * profusion of viands as awaited the guests at the crowning of his first illustrious namesake. For 3SO head of cattle, 430 sheep, 450 pigs, 18 w r ild boars, 27S flitches of bacon, and nearly 20,000 capons and fowls were ordered for that feast. In such circumstances, it seems hardly surprising that a kitchen “of extraordinary size” had to be specially built at Westminster for the occasion. Another lavish Coronation custom which wc are unlikely ever to see again is the provision of fountains, running with w itie, for the populace. History relates that, on the occasion of Richard ll.’s coronation, a great gilt eagle iu the palace yard court yard discharged front underneath its claws red and white wine throughout the day, for ah who chose to partake of it, while, oa tho dull and rainy day when Canry of Lancaster rode bareheaded through th« City of London, from the Tower t» 1 minster, nine fountains in Vhcnrs red and white wine all tha; t day aud the next.