Medieval Origins of Coronations
Gone Medieval
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The Coronation of Richard the Great
In 1189 Richard's shirt was simply torn open. The narrative goes on to say that Richard was anointed on the head, chest and arms to signify glory, courage and knowledge. He received homage from his bishops and barons the second day after his coronation rather than at the end of the ceremony or at the coronation feast immediately afterwards. Homage was the confirmation of loyalty and service owed to a ruler. It usually required the person giving homage to kneel before the king with their hands pressed together as if in prayer. Piers would swear fealty with these words: I giving their name and title do become your liege man of life and limb"
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