Why Henry III Had Two Coronations

In October 1216, Henry III became king of England aged 9 years old on the death of his father, King John. Henry’s succession to the throne was not guaranteed as the French Prince Louis, later king Louis VIII, remained in England, still harbouring hopes of taking the English throne. For the English nobles still loyal to the crown even after the difficult and dark days of John’s reign, it was of critical importance to crown the young Henry as soon as possible. Urgent discussions were held regarding a possible coronation. Some wanted to wait for Ranulf, Earl of Chester to arrive in Gloucester where they had gathered. But, as time was of the essence, it was eventually agreed that they would not wait for Ranulf and Henry would be immediately knighted by William Marshal, the most senior and respected knight in the country, before Henry was crowned at Gloucester Cathedral.

Dressed in handsome robes that had been hastily prepared for the occasion, the little Henry was crowned just 9 days after the death of his father, on 28th October 1216. The papal legate, named Guala, representing Pope Honorius III, oversaw the ceremony. After he had been consecrated king, Henry, who had had a long and emotionally challenging last 10 days or so for such a young boy, was hoisted up into the air by several knights and taken back to his chambers where he could rest and change into less heavy and cumbersome garments. Out of necessity because of the political situation, Henry’s first coronation had been a hasty affair. Now he needed a guardian to see him through these difficult early years of his reign.

The obvious candidate was William Marshal who, understandably, was reluctant to be the kings’ regent. Marshal had given the crown decades of loyal service and was now nearly 70 years old. The other candidate was the Earl of Chester but Ranulf urged Marshal to take the position, describing him as one of the finest knights in the world. Still, Marshal remained reluctant and it took the intervention of the papal legal who practically begged Marshal to be the king’s regent. Guala even offered Marshal a pardon of his sins if he would accept. Guala finally broke Marshal with this offer and, until his death in 1219, he served Henry III in noble fashion. In 1217, it was Marshal who broke the back of Prince Louis’ campaign in England by raising the siege of Lincoln and defeating the French in battle. Although Louis had divided his army in two and he himself was laying siege to Dover Castle, the defeat in Lincoln was a bitter blow and eventually he returned to France a disappointed man.

By 1220, Pope Honorious III had decided the time had come for Henry III to be crowned again but this time in a more solemn and befitting ceremony. The Archbishop of Canterbury, Stephen Langton, was happy to oblige and Henry’s second coronation was arranged for the 17th May 1220. Word was sent around the country to the nobility that their attendance at the ceremony was fully expected and no excuse would be tolerated. This point was more strongly emphasised to those who had supported Louis’ failed campaign even in its later stages.The turnout for the coronation was good and Henry was once again crowned, this time by Archbishop Stephen. Also in attendance was another papal legate, Pandaulf, who had taken over from Guala in 1218. 

The ceremony took place at Westminster Abbey on which Henry would later spend much time, money and devotion. The king swore that he would defend the church and keep peace in his kingdom. Everything went well and finally England seemed to be at peace with some members of the nobility with long memories stating that previous kings had not enjoyed the luxury of being crowned in such a calm climate. Of course, this is conveniently ignoring the fact that Henry had to be crowned twice and the first occasion can hardly be described as tranquil. But the country could now look forward to a new era.