Coronation Day. Coronation Spoon

Coronation Day

Coronation Spoon

  

Coronation spoon

Despite the fact that it is probably the simplest item in the coronation, it is the oldest piece of regalia, dating to the 12th century. And I thought my baby spoon was old😂. Anyway, the spoon is used for the most sacred part of coronation: the anointing. It is about 10.5 inches long and is covered in intricate engravings. 

As a fun fact, after the bloody English Civil War (1642-1648), when the monarchy was overthrown, king Charles I was beheaded whereas his heir, future king Charles II, fled to France, Oliver Cromwell, the head of the newly established republican government, ordered that all pieces of the regalia to be destroyed. The objects or either broken or melted down, as we have seen with Saint Edward's crown. But, the spoon survived. Actually, it was sold for 16 shillings, which was the payment of 11 days of work for a skilled tradesman. In today's money, the amount would be about 100$. So, just imagine  buying this piece of regalia for only 100 bucks on Amazon or eBay😂. 

Fortunately, the spoon was purchased by a member of the royal household, and he returned the item in 1660, after the restoration of Charles II as king of England. Since then, it has been used in every crowning.