Longleat House is hosting an exhibition celebrating the Coronation of King Charles III, featuring the robes and coronet worn by Marquesses of Bath at past coronations.
The exhibition is on display in the East Corridor until the 4th of June and includes the 19th Longleat State Chariot, built-in 1820 with a state-of-the-art suspension system, heavily padded seating covered with corded silk, and used by successive Marquesses of Bath to attend State occasions, including coronations.
The ornate crimson velvet coronation robes, with a white ermine collar and silk satin ribbon ties, were created for Thomas Thynne, 5th Marquess of Bath for the coronation of King George VI in 1937 and later worn by the 6th Marquess to the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953.
Also on display is the recently restored coronet, consisting of four gold strawberry leaves alternating with four silver balls, with an ermine band and a crimson velvet lining topped with a gold tassel.
The display offers a glimpse into the pomp and pageantry of important national events, according to Longleat House curator Dr. James Ford.
While such ceremonial dress for members of the peerage dates back to the 1400s, it is unlikely that they will be seen at King Charles III’s coronation on 6 May. The small number of peers attending have been asked to wear business attire or parliamentary robes instead.
