The oldest surviving coronation roll – a 2ft hand-stitched official record of Edward II’s 1308 crowning at Westminster Abbey – is dwarfed by the 21-metre-long version produced for King Charles III two years ago.
Much has changed in 700 years. The former is tightly inscribed, on remarkably well-preserved parchment, recording details of the service, processions, promises, who attended and what ceremonial roles they performed.
