Famous Swords and Sceptre of the British Coronation

The British are very proud of their ceremonial swords and sceptres that are mostly used for coronations.  Many of these swords of sceptres are collected in the Tower of London or Westminster Abby.

The jewelled Sword of Offering was made in 1661 and boasts the huge Star of Africa in it’s head. The ball and cross design of the head of the scpter can be removed and worn as a broach. The Star of Africa is one of the largest diamonds ever found in the world and weighs in at 3106.75 carats.  It was originally known as St. Edwards Sceptre.

The Sceptre of the Dove was also made in 1661 and it also has a dove on it symbolizing the Holy Spirit. It was meant to be healed in the left hand of the sovereign while the other sceptre is held in the right.

Another very precious object is the Sovereign’s Orb, a type of globis cruciger (a ball with a cross on top), is a hollow golden sphere that was also made in 1661. There is a band of jewels running along the centre, and a half-band on the top hemisphere. Surmounting the orb is a jewelled Cross representing the Sovereign’s role as Defender of the Faith.  It is used in coronations and is held in the left hand.

The Small Orb was made for Queen Mary II in 1689 and it laid on the coffin of her executor, Queen Victoria in 1901.

Five swords are used in every British coronation. These are –

The Jewelled Sword of Offering is the most valuable swords in the world and was originally made for the Coronation of King George IV.  It is made of Damascus steel and encrusted with rubies, sapphires and diamonds.

The Great Sword of State is a very large sword that is decorated with jewels in the shape of the floral symbols of the United Kingdom including the rose. It is too heavy to carry so it is rarely handled by a person.

Finally every coronation also features the ornate trio known as the   Sword of Spiritual Justice, the Sword of Temporal Justice, and the Sword of Mercy. The first two symbolise the sovereign’s relationship with church and state and the last the power should be used for mercy and not vengeance.

Other special items that are precious to the monarchy and that have to do with the coronation include silver and gilt spoons, rings, broaches, necklaces, earrings and other ornaments.