The Lying in State of a British Monarch - The History, Origin & Innovation of Royal Funeral Ritual
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- Опубліковано 29 вер 2024
- #royalfuneral #queenfuneral #windsor #lyinginstate #royalburial #medievalmonarch
We have seen in recent days the very moving sight of Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II Lying in State in Westminster Hall. What precisely is this ceremony for and when did it begin? This video sets out to answer those questions, looking at the symbolism of the Lying in State, its history, and the curious origin of it. It looks at how a private ceremony became a public one, how the symbols placed on the coffin evolved, how the ceremony and its location have changed over the years, and how that reflects the changing relationship between the monarchy and the people.
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Thank you for all your comments, I am grateful for everyone's response. Please bear with me as I answer all your interesting questions! Is there anything else you would like me to cover in future videos? Let me know here.
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An invite to place a request. ☺️ Yeah!!
I was bored of doing the same old things at the weekend so I recalled things that I suppose had been the interests of one of my primary school teachers. A forthright, no nonsense Mrs Davis. Short perm, kilt with thick stocking, blouse and hand knitted cardigan. All year round. She used birds of paradise and church architecture from the medieval period as the basis to teach other subjects; English language, drawing and painting, geography and history. She was brilliant and those were subjects that I really enjoyed thinking about so they have stayed in my mind all these years. I’m not letting on how many.
I set off to visit a different cathedral and it’s city each weekend. There is a lot of history about monarchs in them and so this led me on to studying monarchy, only as far as Richard III. I had my fill of the Tudors at secondary school.
My interests have spread out from there like a spider graph to anything related to the medieval period that is monarch based.
All of the wars, architecture, hero’s and villains. As well as our European relations and relationships, how our islands were run.
I was hooked by the piece on laying in state because it had an unusual title that linked to monarchy in a building that I’m interested in.
So I don’t know what to ask for. I just have to wait and hope that you are inspired to write something new but the same in the way it catches my eye.
This reply would have been a lot shorter was it not Sunday afternoon. 😗
Kind Regards
Jenny Hunter
Funeral effigies
The Sanctuary at Westminster Abbey ( hiding place of Elizabeth Woodville)
I’m always wowed by the time, effort, and incredibly thought out scripts. Thank you.
that is kind of you to say so, thank you@@DeanWerx
Excellent video Allan. I found it really interesting to learn the background to the present lying in state.
Thank you, its a fascinating story of development, continuity and change.
Your documentaries are really interesting and the illustrations are great, so professionally done, thank you so much. I learnt such a lot. Do hope you can continue to make them?
Glad you like them! I will certainly keep going with them, they are fun to do.
Superb documentary video. Is anything known about the Queen's coffin itself? Was it constructed according to any specific standards? Did the Queen herself have any input into its construction? What type of wood was used? Just curious, as there is always the possibility that their coffin(s) could possibly be opened a thousand years hence.
Fascinating! Question-- when you present the Tudors, you say Henry VIII, Edward VI, Mary Tudor, Elizabeth I. Is it proper to say Mary Tudor instead of Mary I?
People often say Mary Tudor to differentiate her from Mary Queen of Scots.
@@allanbarton THANK YOU, you're very kind to reply personally. Thank you for all you do.
Hello, were the crown sceptre and orb on Her Majesty's coffin replicas? As they were nailed down.
They were the real thing, they were attached to special fittings on the coffin and removed at the end by the crown jeweller.
- 5:16 To bloody hell with changing tradition. Tradition must be kept alive, for it is OUR tradition.
Thank you for this video my grandaughters went to the lying in state of our dear Queen, they queued for 12 hours and said it was a wonderful experience💕💕👏👏👏
Oh wow! that shows some dedication - it will be an experience of a lifetime.
At one point during the procession, the camera zoomed in on the crown and the sunlight hit it just right 😍. It is gorgeous! It has so many colors that I never noticed before.
A perfect moment.
Thank you for a thorough presentation and an accurate assessment of the evolution of the traditions, and circumstances surrounding royal protocol during important events. Other content creators may comment on such things, but no one gives the in-depth perspective and historical context the way you do. Great video!
My pleasure! I find the history of these traditions and rituals absolutely fascinating, understanding how they originate and evolve hugely enriches the experience of witnessing them! Glad you appreciate this 😊
Wonderful historical information. Thank you!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Just had the opportunity to watch your video now Allan, excellent detail, and so informative. I’m so pleased I was amongst those who queued to pay final respects to HMQEII, it was a surreal experience which for me felt medieval, touching and very moving. Though the lying-in-state has evolved, there remains a distinct connection to hundreds of years’ tradition. Many thanks ☺️🇬🇧
Absolutely riveting! It's as if you've rubbed the lamp of a genie and all these amazing facts have flowed out to delight and enchant us. So interesting, so educational and so enjoyable. Thank you.
That is very kind of you to say so Avril.
In the U.S we call the time when a body is being viewed or present during a visitation as being an In-State visitation.
I'm so glad I stumbled upon this channel, It's so fascinating and I'm hooked now just subscribed Thank you.
Thank you for your subscription and kind words.
Fascinating! I’d love to know more about court mourning dress rules.
Thank you, an idea for a future video.
I just discovered (and subbed) your channel. These are excellent videos!
Glad you like them! thanks for the kind words and subscription.
I came for comfort after the death of our Gran. God bless you for keeping history alive.
God bless you and I am sorry for your loss.
Two factors contributed to the longevity of the lying in state tradition in England: the use of the sealed lead coffin and the fact that England is in a temperate zone.
In Spain the Royal tradition was for a fairly quick private "burial" in the pudridero under El Escorial, while a sumptuous catafalque was erected in Madrid for the official funeral a month or more later. This was necessary due to the much warmer Iberian climate.
Fascinating talk . You give just the right amount of information, on the topics most people have questions about, at a leisurely pace which i really enjoy. i especially appreciate how you talk directly about the images you show - many history channels show images without making any reference in the audio, so that the pics look like they have been added an afterthought- which i suspect is often the case. Looking forward to your future posts.
Glad a friend sent me one of your videos. I'm learning so much.
Thank you, I am pleased you like it.
I am a new subscriber from California and I am enjoying your channel very much. I recently was in the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Galleries and was particularly fascinated by the funeral effigies. I never knew this used to be the norm.
Would this subject warrant a stand alone episode? Thanks! Violet
Cheers from Cali!!
I've wondered why the orb and scepter are REVERSED on the top of the coffin, I mean, the orb was held in EIIR left hand and scepter in her right hand. But on the coffin it's reversed. Maybe symbolism that the monarch has set them down in place?
What a VERY INTERESTING video!! I found what you said about the effigies ABSOLUTELY FASCINATING!! Some trolls have been saying on social media that the late Queen's coffin was really empty, as there was no open casket!! I wonder what they would have said if there had been an effigy of Her Majesty on display?!
Looking forward to more of your videos!! 💖👍
Open casket is not a normal tradition in the UK. Family members can request to view the body individually at the funeral home before the funeral, but I've personally never heard of an Anglican funeral where the body is displayed in the way you see happens on film and TV in the USA. (which I think is more a tradition of Catholicism?)
That would never happen, we just don't do open caskets in England. She is certainly in that coffin. Thanks for your kind words.
Beautiful 🤩 video. Thank You
Four candle sticks. 🤔 Six candle sticks 🧐
Quote from Queen Victoria we are not amused 😒
💗 Queen Victoria
Lying in state: signifie être exposé solennellement (on pourrait dire majestueusement, mais ce n'est pas réservé qu'à un monarque), en français.
I wonder what happened to the white pall.
The coffin has a board attached to the lid for the attachments. You can see it removed in photos of Victoria's funeral on the steps of St George's.
That was really interesting. I particularly like the idea that tradition is actually about controlled change.
Imagine this scenario: Your first day working as a cleaner in Westminster Abbey. You are a little lost and looking for cleaning supplies. You open a cupboard and find it's full of wooden/plaster/fabric/horsehair effigies! Would there be a second day on the new job?
It would have frightened me to death!
I enjoy all your videos. Thank you!
Thank you, Sir! This was a fascinating and well done video. I look forward to watching more of your work!
Very nice of you to say so, thank you very much!
When a Royal person is lying in state why is the the body not visible??
Thousand of people line up to pay respect to the deceased person but can only look at the coffin draped in the flag.
What is the reason for that.
When a Pope dies the body is lying in state in St Peter’s Basilica in Rome in full display to those that want to pay respect,
I know it’s a weird question but it just want to find out.
I think I say why it developed like this in the video. Originally sovereigns bodies were exposed like popes.
Excellent allan,i am now your subscriber!
Newly subscribed and now gojng to binge watch. I live royal history and this channel is perfect.
Thanks Tora - glad I have provided a binge for you and that you like what you see.
Thank you for making this video! I learnt a lot.
My pleasure.
Three month lying in state. 😮
Can you imagine trying to explain to a medieval person how we can capture a perfect image!? They really would not understand the concept of having an image on paper or a glass screen. 😮
Why #6 lg candles?
Love 💗 the vigil.
Have you done a video about the tomb of the unknown soldier? If not, would you please consider doing so? Thank you for your expert research and narration of incredibly informative videos.
That would be fun to do, yes I will.
Educational
When they are lying in state for weeks, are there reports of the terrible odors or insect activity?
Not often, they were very well sealed in.
Excellently presented, well balanced information. Look forward to more from you. May God Bless you Allan!
Thank you very much indeed, there is more to come. God bless you too.
B
i learnt so much from this video. thank you.
Thank you.
Thank you for a very precise and in-depth information
Glad it was helpful!
Thank You so very much for producing such in detail information on all topic you cover Sir Allan Barton!!! I've learned so much from you!!!! RIP Queen Elizabeth, long live her son King Charles the 3rd!! From New York USA
You are very welcome
Lying in state could be any politician talking in Parliament
😂
What a great channel!
Bless you for saying so - thank you.
Thanks very informative
Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching.
As you fellers say over there, “brilliant!”…. Hundreds and hundreds of years make up this topic….
Fascinating history! Thanks for sharing!
Glad you enjoyed it
The entire show seemed to me so militaristic. The glittering crown, composed of questionably acquired jewels, was the perfect reflection of an obsolete empire.
Mr. Baron, will you PLEASE do a video/program on Westminster Abbeys' crypt/vault/ burial spaces?
Coming tomorrow.
@@allanbarton THANK YOU!!!!
Excellent Video. Queen Elizabeth Is A Fanatic Queen. I’m Leaning So Much So Interesting . Thank You. I Miss Her, Like My Own Mother 😢
You are quite right. Queen Elizabeth was pretty much everyone's mother... and eventually everyone's grand-mother. Such kindness, such understanding and open ear towards everyone's individual problems. So many people who have personnally met her say she was making everyone feel as if everything you were telling her did really matter to her. It takes quite a person to be able to accomplish that, day in, day out, and for 70 years! Just how many persons has this woman genuinely touched simply by having and using an open ear and making everyone feel like they mattered to her! And that so large welcoming smile to go with it! How can you tell a large smile is genuine? Simply when it is accompanied by sparkling, laughing eyes. Boy, did that woman love life and the people who lived it alongside her, or while meeting her. She simply respected the right of every one to live his/her life with everyone's right to their differences! A woman who wanted everybody to FEEL good and was genuine about it! Rest in peace, Queen Elizabeth; I am so glad I knew you were there, somewhere on this earth!
Glad you enjoyed it!
This is very interesting. Would it be possible to post the sources used for these videos?
Thank you for a really interesting video. How did Dianna lay 'in state' and have a sate funeral if one's symbols of state are put on the coffin as symbols of state. Did she have symbols as she was no longer Princess of Wales as she was divorced.
Dianna didn’t have a state funeral and the last state funeral in the UK was Winston Churchill , so why was his a state funeral?
Diana had what is termed a royal ceremonial funeral - and had nothing placed on top her coffin.
A number of statesmen have had public state funerals in the past. General Monck had one with an effigy, Nelson Wellington, Gladstone, Churchill - it is a mark of respect for someone who has made a major contribution to the nation's life.
@@allanbarton Thanks for clearing that up Alan.
Hi Alan. A question please. Various spots around London have the word Cross, ie Charing Cross, Kings Cross, New Cross etc. I read somewhere there were 9 such places dotted around and that during a funeral procession for a monarch the cortège would stop at each of these points before arriving at the burial site, which I assume was probably Westminster. Can you shed any light on this please.
Got it in one. Charing Cross was the last of a series of eleven crosses erected to mark the places where Queen Eleanor of Castile's funeral cortege rested overnight, between Lincoln (the closest town to where she died) and London. A couple of the crosses are still extant both in Northamptonshire at Geddington and Hardingstone. I live in Lincoln and the first cross was believe it or not just at the end of my road!
Thank you. Much appreciated. Greetings from Australia 😁
@@marklivingstone3710 She was the Queen Consort of Edward the First
Why is St Edward's Crown on the coffin of Edward VII (if it is)? If I'm not mistaken, Edward deliberately chose not to don this crown at his coronation due to its weight. Interesting, nonetheless...
That's right, he didn't wear it being crowned with his mother's imperial crown. I have no idea why they popped it on the coffin - it hadn't left the jewel house in 200 years.
I wonder if Queen Victoria's choice of a white pall was in reference to being Empress of India (white being a mourning colour in India. influence of M. Abdul Karim) and it not being used again after 1948?
That is a really interesting suggestion, I have no idea I'm afraid. It was a break from tradition, royal funeral palls for the previous two centures had been black or dark purple.
It would be interesting how non royals received state funerals. Winston Churchill and Admiral Nelson are perhaps the best known examples.
I'm planning a couple of videos on the state funerals of Wellington and Nelson. They are very interesting and very elaborate.
My intuition tells me that the Queen wasn't in the coffin that tured around Great Britain. I think that her body was taken back to Windsor and kept until the end. That's what I would have planned. Do you think she might have been embalmed? Love your channel.
Yes, she was almost certainly embalmed, as her father was too. She was such a stickler for tradition that she was without question in the coffin.
I'd always wondered about the origins of the tradition of lying in state. Great video!!!!
Thank you.
So grateful you did this video. I watched all of the lying in state live offerings on UA-cam on itv, bbc and sky channels, slept little during the days and nights. Your video is so helpful in its clear historic explanations and pictures. Many thanks.I hope you can make a video with permission from those who can give it of the Houses of Parliament. The brief view of the painted chamber was intriguing.
There are lots of engravings surviving of the Old Palace of Westminster that show it just before and just after the fire - I will do a video exploring these.
Heaps of fascinating facts that I would have not been able to find out about easily myself, or indeed known to ask about. Thank-you for the hard work you do on my behalf. ❤.
Glad you enjoyed it, it is my pleasure - it is a joy that it is of interest.
Your description of William III's death made me literally laugh out loud! Now I feel bad. Sorry Bill!
Ha, ha.
I remember seeing my grandpa in an open casket. It was scary. I was 9
I can imagine. I hink at that age it is a difficult thing to see and it stays with you. As an adult I've seen a lot of dead bodies and I'm less scared now.
You should do TV programmes unless I've missed them
Thank you for your kind comment!
I have learnt a lot from your videos so thank you very very much:)
I'm very glad you are enjoying them, thanks for watching!
Very Interesting. Thanks!
My pleasure.
A fresh breath of air on a Sunday afternoon !!
How lovely of you to say so, thank you.
Ive learnt a lot very interesting thankyou.
My pleasure.
Incredible documentary Allan. Thank you 🌺
Glad you enjoyed it, thanks for watching!
@@allanbarton please make a video about Westminster cross
When was the orb and scepter placed on her coffin??
When I watched her coffin being carried into the hall for the lying in state, it only had her crown.
There was a brief pause after the coffin arrived in the hall and before the public where allowed in - they were put on then by the crown jeweller.
@@allanbarton thanks for the info.
Excellent video
Thank you very much!
@1:47
Okay I would love to support your channel IF editing could be smoother. Otherwise you are a very informative narrator and have so much talent that draws everyone to listen more.❤
That is kind of you to say so. The video is a year old, and I started a few months before I posted this video. I have got an awful lot better with the editing over the course of the last year, starting with zero video editing experience. Supporting the channel will help me employ some bright young thing to do it for me, I hope!!
@@allanbarton I'll definitely subscribe and join in on your adventures!💯❤ from Seattle!
Away with these baubles. Down with monarchy! Up the republic!
Are you channelling Robespierre or Oliver Cromwell?
I was looking for this content and finally found it! 🌸🥹
Yay! Thank you!