Coronations: a two-minute film

Key stage

KS1; KS2; KS3

Subject

History

Collection

Coronations

Format

Video , PDF (146kb)

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Overview

As Britain’s coronation church since 1066, Westminster Abbey is best placed to introduce your KS1, KS2 and KS3 students to the essential elements of a coronation service. This short film explores the significance of a 700-year-old chair and uses an animated guide to explain step-by-step the religious ceremony that ends with the new monarch being crowned. 

This film is ideal as a starter for Coronation lessons and assemblies, either using Westminster Abbey teaching resources or your own content. Download the accompanying teachers’ notes document, which includes a full transcript.

Learning objectives

  • To learn that Westminster Abbey has been Britain’s Coronation Church since 1066
  • To understand that coronations are a religious service and the Anointing is the most important part of the coronation
  • To learn that the coronation service is made up of multiple parts including the oath; the anointing; the investing; and the crowning
  • To learn that the Coronation Chair is one of the most precious and famous pieces of furniture in the world