Coronation of Edward VI
On 20th February 1547, nine year old Edward VI was crowned king of England, at Westminster Abbey.
The son of Henry VIII and Queen Jane Seymour, Edward was the only legitimate son to survive infancy.
On the 19th February, a grand procession to the Tower of London took place.
Edward was dressed in white velvet, embroidered with silver thread, pearls, diamonds.
His horse had been dressed in crimson satin.
At 9am on the 20th February, Edward made his way to Whitehall, by barge.
The boy King then processed to Westminster Abbey for the coronation.
Edward was to be crowned with St Edward’s crown and the Imperial crown, but they were both large and heavy, so a smaller lighter crown was made to fit him.
He was first crowned with the heavy crowns, and then finally with the new crown, which he continued to wear for the rest of the ceremony.
The service was shortened, to take into account that Edward was only nine years old.
When he was ceremonially dressed in his coronation gown, sandals and spurs they were immediately removed for fear that he might trip over them.
The coronation ceremony was followed by a banquet in Westminster’s Great Hall, with more feasting and entertainment at Whitehall.
This was followed by two days of jousting and more feasting.
Edward’s new reign brought new opportunities for the Reformers in England.
Edward was not like his father Henry VIII, who although had started a new church in England, was still very faithful to many Roman Catholic teachings.
Instead, Edward was influenced by his protestant stepmother Katherine Parr, and his godfather Archbishop Thomas Cranmer.
Edward put many changes into effect in England, so that the English people could understand God’s word.
Edward’s reign was short.
At the Palace of Placentia, on the 6th July 1553, Edward whispered his last prayer and died at the age of 15.
His last words were~
“I am faint; Lord have mercy upon me, and take my spirit.”
He was buried in the Henry VII Lady Chapel at Westminster Abbey on August 8, 1553.
Edward VI of England c. 1550
Portrait by William Scrots
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