Spotlight on coronations
Ampulla and spoon
Understand the essential role that a small vessel and a spoon play in the most important part of the coronation service.
What is significant about an ampulla and spoon? Watch The Reverend Dr James Hawkey, Canon Theologian and Almoner, explain the most symbolic and sacred part of the coronation.
Spotlight on coronations: Ampulla and spoon
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His Majesty The King's coronation
The most important moment in the coronation took place behind a newly designed screen by iconographer Aidan Hart. At the centre, the image of a tree included 56 leaves representing the 56 member countries of the Commonwealth. At the base of the tree is The King's cypher, representing the theme of his service seen throughout the coronation.
© Press Association
Of all the objects used within coronations, the ampulla and spoon are arguably the most important. They are required for the anointing, which is the most sacred part of the coronation service. Replicas of both objects are on display within the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Galleries and have been used for hundreds of years.
The ampulla, shaped like an eagle, holds the consecrated oil with which the monarch is anointed. It was made for the coronation of King Charles II in 1661. Unlike the regalia that had to be remade in the 17th century, the spoon is the only item to survive Oliver Cromwell’s destruction of the sacred symbols of monarchy after the English Civil War. It dates back to the early 12th century, and is recorded among objects at the Shrine of St Edward the Confessor in Westminster Abbey in an inventory of 1349.
Look closer
Examine the anointing spoon in more detail.
Look closer
Examine the anointing spoon in more detail.
Anointing is the moment when the archbishop places holy oil on to the head, heart or breast, and hands of the monarch. It is the only part of the coronation service that the congregation are not allowed to watch; during the televised coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953, a canopy was held over the Queen as she was anointed to ensure it could not be seen.
The recipe for the holy oil is secret, but contains oils of orange flowers, roses, jasmine and cinnamon. It is consecrated by a bishop on the coronation day. This sacred blessing, using the ampulla and spoon, is at the heart of the Christian coronation service, demonstrating the connection between the monarch and God.
Spotlight on coronations
An introduction
Let’s start with the basics. What happens at a coronation and why do they take place at Westminster Abbey? Watch this short introduction to coronations to get you up to speed.
Spotlight on coronations
Music
Why is music integral to coronations? Watch Peter Holder, Sub-Organist, describe its purpose within the service in this short introduction.
Spotlight on coronations
Royal regalia
Which objects feature in a coronation service? Watch Dr Tony Trowles, Head of Abbey Collection and Librarian, explain how the replica regalia are used in coronation rehearsals.
Spotlight on coronations
Coronation Theatre
Where exactly in Westminster Abbey do coronations take place? Watch Vanessa Simeoni, Head Conservator, explain the space that becomes the coronation theatre in this short introduction.
Spotlight on coronations
The Liber Regalis
How do we know what a medieval coronation would have looked like? Watch Dr Matthew Payne, Keeper of the Muniments, uncover what we know, and don’t know, about the Liber Regalis.
Spotlight on coronations
Order of Service
How do the congregation know what will happen during coronations? Watch The Reverend Mark Birch, Minor Canon and Precentor, describe why the order of service is so important.
Spotlight on coronations
Coronation Chair
Why does it matter where the monarch sits during their coronation? Watch Dr Susan Jenkins, Curator, unpack the historical and decorative features of this special chair.
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