Royal Throne
Medieval thrones were based on the biblical description of King Solomon’s throne, which was richly ornamented and raised on steps and accompanied by a footstool. By the 14th century, a canopy or ‘clothe of estate’ was placed over the throne. Used exclusively by royalty, a canopied throne was of the highest symbolic importance and came increasingly to command the same respect as the monarch in person.
'... Barry and Pugin were fortunate to have an authentic medieval throne ...'
It also became the focus for royal ceremonial and protocol. In Parliament, as in all royal residences, the throne symbolised the authority of the Crown, even when the monarch was not present. Thrones were used in two areas of the palace - the Lords Chamber (House of Lords debating chamber) and the Royal Robing Room.
Royal thrones in the Palace of Westminster had, in more recent times, looked like glorified armchairs in the latest fashion. Given that the new palace was designed in the Gothic Revival style, Barry and Pugin were fortunate to have an authentic medieval throne sitting within a short distance of the new Lords Chamber in Westminster Abbey - this was St Edward’s Chair, more popularly known as the Coronation Chair.
This throne, used during all coronations at Westminster since 1308, remains the earliest example of an English royal throne, and is the only one to have survived from the medieval period. In referencing this highly significant piece of furniture, which was used during the anointing of kings and queens, Barry and Pugin undoubtedly gave the Palace of Westminster’s throne a symbolic resonance that previous thrones had failed to achieve.
A spectacular canopy of carved and gilded wood completed the powerful effect. The whole ensemble was designed to give visual prominence to the monarch, as head of state, in Parliament.
Published: 2005-02-07
