The Swords of State
The Five Swords of State Used in the Coronation Ritual
The Swords of State represent different aspects of kingship and are used during the coronation ritual. They are carried before the monarch as he or she enters Westminster Abbey. The custom of bearing swords was initiated by King Henry IV in 1399.
The Sword of State
The Sword of State is carried in front of the monarch by the Lord Great Chamberlain at the coronation and other state occasions, such as the State Opening of Parliament. It represents the monarch’s presence and is the largest of the swords. The blade is 32 inches long and weighs 5.2 pounds. The scabbard weighs 2.1 pounds. The sword was made in 1678. The grimp and the pommel are made of gilt metal. The gilt is etched with designs of a portcullis, a fleur de lys, and a harp. The pommel displays a thistle, orb, and other symbols. The hilt is fashioned to represent a lion and a unicorn, which are part of the royal arms. The crimson velvet scabbard bears the royal arms of King William III and Queen Mary II.
The Jeweled State Sword
The Jeweled State Sword is the most valuable sword in the world. At the coronation, it is carried by the Keeper of the Jewel House and offered by the monarch in homage to the Church. It was made for the coronation of George IV in 1821. The hilt and scabbard are made of gold and set with jewels. The scabbard is encrusted with diamonds, rubies, sapphires, and emeralds that form the national emblems of the United Kingdom: the rose (England), the thistle (Scotland), and the shamrock (Ireland). The blade is Damascus steel and is engraved.
The Sword of Mercy
The Sword of Mercy, also known as the Curtana and the sword of Edward the Confessor. The sword dates from the 11th century. It has a steel blade that is inlaid with copper. The blade has been broken nearly six inches from the point, leaving a blunt end. This is the ancient symbol of mercy. The scabbard is covered with velvet and embroidered with gold thread.
The name Curtana is derived from Courtain. Courtain was the sword of Ogier the Dane, an 8th century warrior. According to legend, Ogier drew Courtain against Emperor Charlemagne’s son in revenge for the murder of his own son, but stopped with a voice from Heaven called upon him to show mercy.
The Swords of Justice
The fourth and fifth swords date from the 18th century. They are known as the Sword of Justice to the Spirituality and the Sword of Justice to the Temporality. The swords symbolize the monarch’s defense of the church and defense of the people. At the coronation, the swords represent the transfer of the Kingdom into the care of the new sovereign.
The swords are kept with the Crown Jewels in the Jewel House at the Tower of London.
Sources:
Butler, Colonel Sir Thomas. The Coronation Jewels and Coronation Ceremony. London: Pitkin Pictorials, 1992.
Royal Exhibitions. “Swords” (accessed July 21, 2009)
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