Historic Coronation Rolls to be Unveiled in New Exhibition at The National Archives

In a remarkable juxtaposition of ancient and modern royal tradition, The National Archives will unveil two extraordinary royal documents to the public for the first time next month, separated by more than seven centuries yet bound by the same ceremonial purpose.

King Charles III's Coronation Roll will be displayed alongside the oldest surviving such document, created for Edward II in 1308, as part of "Happy & Glorious," a free exhibition opening May 2 at The National Archives in Kew.

Royal Records Spanning 700 Years

The coronation rolls represent one of the most enduring traditions in British royal record-keeping. These meticulously crafted documents record every detail of a monarch's coronation ceremony—from the guests in attendance to the regalia used and the precise order of ceremonial events.

Edward II's roll, stitched together with linen thread on parchment, is the earliest surviving example of this tradition that began in the 14th century. Its preservation for over 700 years offers an extraordinary glimpse into medieval royal pageantry.

By contrast, King Charles III's roll, completed following his coronation on May 6, 2023, continues this ancient practice using modern materials, being produced on high-quality paper rather than animal skin parchment, yet maintaining the tradition's purpose and dignity.

Saul Nassé, Chief Executive at The National Archives, emphasized the significance of the exhibition: "We are delighted to be the first place to display these new works which reflect the excitement and pageantry of the Coronation weekend. And it's not just artwork, we have archives too, with Edward II's Coronation Roll from 1308 and the first chance to see King Charles III's Coronation Roll, which was completed last year."

Historical Context: The Purpose of Coronation Rolls

Coronation rolls emerged in the medieval period as official records during a time when the ceremonial crowning of a monarch represented the physical manifestation of divine right and legitimacy. Beyond their ceremonial significance, these documents served as important legal records, confirming the proper conduct of these state occasions and providing a reference for future coronations.

Edward II's coronation in 1308 came during a turbulent period in British history. The son of Edward I "Longshanks," he inherited ongoing conflicts with Scotland and faced baronial opposition throughout his reign. His roll not only documents his coronation but stands as a testament to the continuity of monarchy during challenging times.

In contrast, Charles III's coronation in 2023 marked the first such ceremony in 70 years, following the record-breaking reign of Queen Elizabeth II. His coronation introduced several modern elements while maintaining core traditions—a balance reflected in the continuing practice of creating these detailed rolls.

Art and Archive: The Complete Exhibition

The coronation rolls form just one part of the "Happy & Glorious" exhibition, which also features new artwork commissioned by the Government Art Collection to mark the Coronation.

Working across various media including paint, pencil, photography, appliqué and thread, renowned artists including Cornelia Parker and Hew Locke created responses to the Westminster ceremonial events, while others captured community celebrations across the United Kingdom.

In London, artists offered perspectives on the capital's ceremonies, while Joy Gerrard documented crowds in both London and Belfast. Leslie Thompson reflected on Manchester's celebrations, Vanley Burke recorded community gatherings in Birmingham, Mohamed Hassan photographed festivities across Wales, and Sophie Gerrard focused on rural Scottish communities' celebrations.

Sir Chris Bryant, Minister for Creative Industries, Arts and Tourism, highlighted the exhibition's diverse perspectives: "This extraordinary exhibition brings together a wide range of artistic perspectives on the Coronation. From London to Balmoral, the commissions by the Government Art Collection capture this historic moment through different creative lenses and provide a commentary on what it meant to communities right across the UK."

Exhibition Details

"Happy & Glorious" runs at The National Archives in Kew from May 2 to November 2, 2025. Entry is free, and the exhibition will be accompanied by a public program of tours and events, as well as a dedicated youth program.

For those interested in both royal history and contemporary artistic responses to tradition, this exhibition offers a unique opportunity to see these historical treasures alongside creative interpretations of a modern coronation.