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THE QUEEN'S MOST EXCELLENT MAJESTY,

THIS LITTLE WORK

IS RESPECTFULLY INSCRIBED,

AS AN HUMBLE TRIBUTE OF LOYALTY AND RESPECT,

BY

HER FAITHFUL AND OBEDIENT SUBJECT,

THE AUTHOR.

PREFACE.

THE subject of this work is one which has engaged less attention than any other connected with the regalities and antiquities. Mr. ARTHUR TAYLOR'S Glory of Regality is the only volume on Coronations intended for anything more than a temporary purpose, the gratification of curiosity, when the approaching celebration of such a ceremonial directs public attention to the topic. But though Coronations in modern times are mere forms, they were anciently matters of grave and serious import, and every change in their ritual was connected with the weightiest constitutional questions. The festivities with which they were accompanied, as described in our ancient Chronicles, furnish us also with the most lively picture of national manners, and the changes produced in them by the gradual progress

of civilization.

It has been the object of the Author to trace briefly the origin and purpose of the various ceremonies connected with the coronation of English sovereigns, and to illustrate their design by comparing those of ancient with modern times, and contrasting our forms with those employed by foreign nations. A collection

of Coronation Anecdotes is added, detailing the most remarkable incidents which occurred at the accession and recognition of England's monarchs since the Norman conquest; which, it is hoped, will be found to illustrate, not only the forms and ceremonies, but also the personal character of the sovereigns, and the gradual advancement of the country in knowledge and civilization.

T.

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