328: Coronations: Sex, Holy Oil and Civil War

In this episode of "The Rest Is History," Dominic and Tom explore the history of coronations in England, starting with a broadside ballad from 1689 celebrating William III and Mary II. They discuss how coronations reflect political and religious changes, highlighting the coronation of Edwy and Dunstan's biased accounts, as well as omens and mishaps associated with various coronations, including William the Conqueror's. The discussion covers the evolving role of the church in coronations, the impact of usurpers on coronation rituals, and the significance of anointing. They delve into Tudor coronations, the Reformation's influence, and Shakespeare's views on kingship and anointing, ending with the coronations of James I, Charles I, Cromwell, Charles II, and Anne, and their associated political and religious contexts.