The February lecture for The Arts Society was entitled ‘Happy and Glorious: 1,000 Years of Coronations’.
The crowning of the sovereign is an ancient ceremony rich in religious significance, historical associations and pageantry.
This lecture looked at the evolution of the coronation ceremony from Saxon times to the present day, examining the stages of the coronation from the Proclamation to the Homage and explaining the significance of the various items of Coronation Regalia.
Finally, the lecture gave an account of fascinating incidents, ill omens and memorable mishaps that have occurred at coronations and ended with a discussion of how the coronation of King Charles III might differ from that of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in 1953.
The next meeting on Thursday 6th April at Trinity Arts Centre is from James Butterwick on ‘Alexander Bogomazov: The Lost Futurist of Ukraine’.
Looking ahead, 4th May sees Sandy Burnett speak on ‘Igor Stravinsky, the Ballet Russes and the astonishing Premiere of Rite of Spring’.
For further information contact Chairman Leslie Whiting on 07871 459803. For membership and to book lunch, email barnyhsek@me.com.