THE CHRISTENING OF PRINCESS ELIZABETH
Anne Boleyn wanted a christening gown for her new baby to be as grand as possible, so she asked for the cloths that Katharine of Aragon had brought with her from Spain.
Katharine refused to give the cloths to Anne, so she reportedly set to work sewing and embroidering a gown.
Anne lovingly stitched, while waiting for the birth of a son, who would of course, turn out to be Elizabeth…..
It was a pleasant Sunday afternoon between 3 pm and 4 pm on 7th September 1533, when the Queen gave birth to Princess Elizabeth.
The preparations of Elizabeth’s christening began the moment the princess was born.
Hymns and carols were sung every day, before the christening took place.
All the gentry of England and chief citizens were commanded to attend the royal ceremony.
Princess Elizabeth was only three days old at the time of her christening, on 10th September 1533.
Elizabeth was processed down a long green carpet from the Great Hall in Greenwich Palace, to the Chapel of Observant Friars.
She was flanked by her Godparents, Thomas Cranmer and the Duchess of Norfolk.
Elizabeth’s mother Queen Anne Boleyn. was absent from the ceremony, as was custom.
By all accounts, this was a lavish ceremony, planned by King Henry VIII himself, although he did not attend the christening.
Many Lords and Knights attended the ceremony, and bought wishes and gifts for the newborn princess.
All the walls and windows of the Palace were decorated, and made substantially bright and colourful with lush green ornaments.
The walls en-route to the King’s palace and the Friars Church was decorated with flowers and green rushes.
The altar where the christening ceremony was to be performed, was three steps higher than the ground floor, so everyone could catch a glimpse of the new baby.
On top of it, a baby bassinette was mounted, covered with a canopy made of crimson satin, with golden fringes around the bottom.
A gold salt cellar held the salt which was placed in Elizabeth’s mouth, for the ‘exorcism of the princess’.
There were also big silver basins in which the holy oil was poured, after washing the baby’s head.
Four barons carried a canopy over the princess, while she was marched in a procession, to the altar.
The old Duchess of Norfolk, proudly carried the princess.
Over Elizabeth’s christening gown, she was wearing a glorious mantle made of purple velvet, with a long ermine-lined train.
The Bishop of London presided the over ceremony, holding the princess, and performing the sacred sacrament.
The priest baptized the princess in the name of the father, son and the holy spirit and named her ‘Elizabeth’.
The ceremony then came to a conclusion.
The baby princess was brought out by the Chief of the army who announced –
‘God of infinite goodness!
May a prosperous life follow all along,
to the high and mighty
Princess Elizabeth of England.’
Trumpets were blown, in a great fan~fare to the new Princess.
The procession started its journey back towards the King’s palace.
Royal members and the Lords and their ladies held the gifts given by the Archbishop of Canterbury.
Almost five hundred staff members and other servants of the King held the torches, that surrounded baby Elizabeth.
The procession proceeded to the Queen’s chamber door.
Inside Anne lay in her grand bed of estate, wearing an elaborate nightgown.
Anne thanked the officiants and offered them refreshment.
Anne was still in seclusion, she wouldn’t leave her chamber for forty days after the birth when she would be “churched,” and able to re-enter court life.
The Procession then went into the grand Hall, where a large and sumptuous feast was held.
There was all kinds of foods, plenty for everyone, with violins and trumpets played for entertainment.
The feast was a notable occasion for the whole of London.
People had came from all across England to see the beautiful ceremony, and eat from the king’s table.
It was one of the most prestigious, of the many royal celebrations held.