The Coronation Chair

See the historic Coronation Chair at Westminster Abbey, used in royal ceremonies since 1308 and steeped in centuries of British tradition.

Brief History: Commissioned by King Edward I in 1296, the Coronation Chair has been used in the coronation of nearly every English and British monarch since 1308, starting with Edward II. It originally housed the Stone of Scone, taken from Scotland and returned in 1996. Notable Features: Crafted from oak, the chair is one of the oldest surviving pieces of English furniture still used for its original purpose. Its Gothic style includes pointed arches and was once richly painted and gilded, though much of the decoration has faded. Fun Fact: The chair has been vandalized over centuries by schoolboys and tourists, who carved graffiti into its surface. It now sits protected behind glass when not in ceremonial use. Current Use: Still used for coronations, the chair can be viewed up close in the abbey’s Chapter House area. Visitors are asked not to touch it and photography may be restricted.