Draft:Coronation roll

Coronation rolls are historically significant documents that record the details of a monarch's coronation. These rolls have been part of royal ceremonies for centuries, serving as official records that list the events, participants, and rituals of the coronation day. The tradition of creating and preserving these rolls dates back to medieval times, reflecting a monarch's legal and ceremonial ascension to the throne..

Historical Significance
The oldest surviving coronation roll is from the coronation of Edward II in 1308, which is in remarkably good condition despite being stored in the Tower of London for hundreds of years before its transfer to more careful preservation in the National Archives. These documents were crucial in medieval times as they provided documentary proof of a monarch's legitimacy and the allegiances of nobles, which were often contested during periods of political instability.

The National Archives in the UK holds a series of Coronation Rolls (reference C 57) dating from 1308 to 1954. These rolls provide a comprehensive record of each monarch's accession, followed by a proclamation of the coronation and of the peers' attendance, the appointment of the Court of Claims and the petitions to it (in full) with their answers, a short account of the ceremony with the services performed, and a list by rank of those doing homage.

Notably, from 1702, the sovereign's oath was included as a signed schedule (except for George IV). From 1714 onwards, declarations against the transubstantiation of the sacrament and the archbishop of Canterbury's certificate were also incorporated. This evolution in content reflects the changing political and religious landscape of Britain over the centuries.

Evolution Over Time
Traditionally, coronation rolls were written on materials made from animal skin. The text was typically inscribed in Norman French and Latin, with the first roll fully written in English appearing only in 1820 for the coronation of George IV. The rolls also served as guides for future coronations, with monarchs like Charles II and James II consulting previous rolls to enhance the splendor and precision of their own ceremonies.

Queen Victoria's coronation in 1838 continued this tradition. Her "Coronation Roll" was described as "wonderfully and curiously complete," setting down every detail with "minuteness and elaboration." Like the rolls of her predecessors since the time of Richard II, Queen Victoria's roll was a "huge, bulky roll of parchment," resembling what lawyers would call a deed poll as distinguished from an indenture.

Modern Adaptations
The coronation roll for King Charles III, presented in 2024, marks a departure from traditional materials, being the first to be recorded on high-quality paper instead of animal skin. This change is part of a broader modernization that includes the use of animal-free coronation oils. The roll extends 69 feet and was crafted by calligrapher Stephanie von Werthern-Gill, who spent 56 consecutive days completing the hand-stitched manuscript without weekend breaks. The document is adorned with illustrations by Tim Noad, who is also responsible for designing the King's cypher.

Artistic and Official Record
The 2024 coronation roll not only serves as an official record but has also become a significant work of art. The meticulous craftsmanship and dedication to detail reflect the roll's dual function as both a state document and a piece of historical artwork. This latest edition includes a digital version, making it accessible to the public online and continuing the tradition's adaptation to the digital age.

Public Display and Archival
After being presented to the monarch, coronation rolls are typically put on public display before being archived in the National Archives. This allows both national and international audiences to engage with a piece of history, understanding the ceremonial aspects of a monarchy that has evolved over centuries.

Digital Adaptation
For the first time in history, the Coronation Roll was made publicly accessible through a digital platform. The Cabinet Office commissioned Design102, a creative communications agency for government and the public sector, to design and create a website to host the Coronation Roll from the Coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla in May 2023 The website features the historically-accurate Coronation Roll on a single page, complemented with images, videos, photography, and audio clips to bring the text to life. This digital adaptation aims to blend contemporary British culture with historic tradition, making the centuries-old document more accessible and engaging for a modern audience. The project's success was evident in its initial reception, with over 15,000 unique users from 138 countries accessing the website within the first five days of its launch.