The Anointing Oil, Ampulla and Spoon - British Coronation Traditions

#coronation #anointingoil #charlesiii
In the previous video, I’ve talked about what happens in the anointing ritual at the coronation - and if you haven’t watched that video it will be worthwhile watching it first before returning here - as this video will then make much more sense. In this video I am going talk about the different oils used in the anointing at the British coronation, their origin, what they are made of etc. etc. and the utensils used for the anointing.
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[@stepps511]

I am awestruck by your knowledge of these things and very glad you are willing to share with us. I say hats off to His Majesty for having the oil sanctified by the Patriarch in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. What a magnificent gesture. Thank you, Allan.

[@dariusclovis1374]

The simple reason why the Anointing Oil was consecrated by the Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem is due to the fact that Anglican Orders are null & void (Apostolicae Curae 1896, Pope Leo XIII) & therefore, had to resort to the Orthodox for a valid but illicit consecration. An act (Consecration) which is totally schismatic & heretical.

[@ryanhunter2987]

Here, here! A magnificent gesture---may God, the King of kings, bless His Majesty The King through the consecration of this oil in His service. This will mark the first time since the Reformation that a bishop (Patriarch Theophilos of Jerusalem) recognised by the Orthodox, Catholic, and Anglican communions as having absolutely valid apostolic succession will have blessed the oil used in the monarch's anointing. May this only deepen the blessing imparted to King Charles III and Queen Camilla. God Save The King!

[@dariusclovis1374]

@@ryanhunter2987 The blessed Anointing Oil is certainly valid but utterly ILLICIT since the Orthodox & the Church of England are in a state of schism, cut off from the Catholic Church. Anglican Orders incurred invalidity under Cramner & Edward (son of Henry VIII). For this reason. Anglican clergy had to resort to Orthodoxy for valid, but again, illicit ordinations as pronounced by Pope Leo XIII in Apostolicar Curae, 1893.

[@bevinboulder5039]

What a shame that the spoon is the only piece of the pre-interregnum regalia that survived. Many thanks to the gentleman who bought the spoon only to preserve it. Another great, informative video.

[@allanbarton]

Thanks very much, glad you enjoyed it!

[@MTCason]

I think it's so impactful, in the midst of so much that is jewel-encrusted and blinding with Restoration excess about the coronation regalia, that the oldest piece is the anointing spoon. We cannot be sure how far back it was used in coronation rites but the mere fact that it has been used in religious observances since the time of Henry II puts me more in awe than any crown or scepter. As someone who very much believes in the Christian symbolism of the coronation, it touches my heart to know that the oldest direct link to the line he follows will anoint King Charles III "as kings, priests, and prophets were anointed: and as Solomon was anointed king by Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet, so be thou anointed, blessed, and consecrated king over the peoples whom the Lord thy God hath given thee to rule and govern." Even makes this American choke up a bit!

[@sweptashore]

Thanks for another fascinating dive into the intricacies of the coronation. I am awed by the spoon -- the craftsmanship, the lovely design, its survival. Thank goodness it wasn't destroyed. I must add, as well, that the modern blend of oils will be much more pleasing to the senses than musk, civet, and ambergris. The mental image of the "source material" certainly is. 😉

[@TuckerSP2011]

As a Catholic I can attest to the beautiful perfume associated with Holy Oils. Thank you for your beautiful explanation.

[@allanbarton]

My pleasure, glad you enjoyed it!

[@Jame629]

I make mine based of the book of exodus oil i always annoint myself before preying and such things.

[@thandiheywood8394]

​@@Jame629 in

[@brucass93]

Thank you for this extraordinary series. My Anglo Saxon studies at uni are flooding back. Something about Christus Rex, Dunstan & Edgar, can't quite remember. I think King Charles will take it all very seriously & with a great sense of duty.

[@ffvvaacc]

Allan should be part of the History Hit group as a medieval church art/architecture channel. Or history hit should sponsor him. A solid quality KZbin channel I love is History Calling; she started during covid and she’s now either sponsored by History Hit or part of them. Listening to Allan is like getting free university lectures, he deserves a much wider audience.

[@allanbarton]

I would love to be, perhaps they will notice I'm here.

[@ffvvaacc]

I just emailed Dan Snow directly at History Hit recommending you, and attached the link to your channel. The quality of your work speaks for itself. But I praised it anyhow! 😂

[@ffvvaacc]

And my email just got sent back to me. Dang it.

[@allanbarton]

@@ffvvaacc that is really kind of you to try.

[@allanbarton]

@@ffvvaacc thank you, that is kind of you to do that I'm really touched.

[@PastorTheGathering]

Thank you for all the details. This Canadian living in California feels closer to “home” with each fact and story. You have made a fan of me.

[@allanbarton]

Thank you very much, glad you're enjoying my videos!

[@jilltagmorris]

Thank you for your hard work and providing everyone this fabulous content.

[@stephanieking4444]

Thank you for this episode, I really appreciate the full coverage of the history of the coronation oils. Pity nobody can be absolutely certain what happened to Thomas Beckett's oil. I too feared it might have been among the victims of those brutal destructions which sadly featured in transformative eras. The destruction of the eagle vial a century later is equally troubling.

[@Kewcoins2022]

Huge respect to you for researching writing and making these videos it obviously must take you ages to complete I absolutely love history and especially royal history with its traditions etc looking forward to watching the ceremony and watching history being made live

[@allanbarton]

Thanks for your appreciation of my work, glad you are enjoying the series!

[@bobbibuttons8730]

Brilliant Allan, definitely my go to historian. It would be lovely if you could do a piece on St Andrews and St Patrick’s church in Elveden as I was wed there

[@TunTavernWarrior2]

Outstanding presentation Allan!

[@allanbarton]

Thanks very much, glad you enjoyed it!

[@donnalayton6876]

Allan it is pure joy, learning from someone so intelligent and informed with his subjects presented. Thank you for all your work.

[@jilltagmorris]

I'm double dipping but.....I learn more in your videos than I ever knew. You make it interesting and understandable. ❤❤

[@ffvvaacc]

Allan should be part of the History Hit group as a medieval church art/architecture channel. Or history hit should sponsor him. A solid quality KZbin channel I love is History Calling; she started during covid and she’s now either sponsored by History Hit or part of them. Listening to Allan is like getting free university lectures, he deserves a much wider audience.

[@allanbarton]

Glad you're enjoying my channel so much! Thanks for your support!

[@jilltagmorris]

@@ffvvaacc totally agree. I'm so thankful for him, his style and all the extra goodies 💗

[@candhbennett]

Thank you for all your videos about the many aspects of the coming Coronation. The details and historic background to this rare and wonderful ceremony have been carefully broken down and explained so clearly. I have really appreciated the time and care you have taken. I wonder if Queens Consort are annointed or only Queens Regnant?

[@brooksiefan]

A real delight to watch. Thank you!

[@allanbarton]

My pleasure, thanks for watching!

[@Cboo-y1v]

Thank you for explaining all of the rituals to us outside of this big day. 🙏

[@ryanhunter2987]

Splendid commentary, as ever! I find it magnificently prescient that only the medieval spoon used for the anointing somehow (I daresay venture by God's Providence) survived the horrors of 1649. How extraordinary that this surviving spoon---the means of performing that aspect of the ceremony most ancient and biblical---served the aspect (the anointing) most attacked by the more radical Reformers as both "Jewish" and "popish" superstition. When Knox's party violently managed to force Queen Mary of Scots to abdicate in July 1567, he tried (and fortunately failed) to convince the Kirk to forego the customary anointing of the year-old Prince James as James VI. The 'northern Solomon' was of course anointed again in summer 1603 as James I of England in Westminster Abbey, and a decade later had his mother ---the woman he ultimately owed both crowns to, who was herself crowned, like him, as a monarch whilst only a babe---magnificently re-tombed at the Abbey, only yards away from her cousin, rival, and ultimately killer, his prededessor on the Englisy throne, Elizabeth I.

[@atrinka1]

What a video! Thanks for all the knowledge you are sharing with us!

[@allanbarton]

Glad you enjoyed it, thanks for watching!

[@williamevans9426]

Many thanks for this well researched yet enjoyable account! I've purchased the special edition of 'The Antiquary" and look forward to reading it and enjoying its illustrations.

[@allanbarton]

Thank you very much, I'm glad you enjoyed the video and I hope you enjoy the Coronation edition of The Antiquary 😊

[@9er..]

So cool that you went into such great detail about the spoon, I had no idea. The two “lobes” always fascinated me. Is this due to the bishop using the sign of benediction to anoint the monarch?

[@sandradankowski6120]

Thanks for your interesting and well researched videos explaining the historic and different elements and symbols used in the coronation ceremonies.

[@TyrSkyFatherOfTheGods]

I don't know about the English Church, but in my Anglican Diocese in Canada, holy oil is blessed during Holy Week by the Bishop, and used in the appropriate sacraments: baptism, confirmation, ordination, and anointing of the sick. I had no idea that there was a time when it *wasn't*

[@claramanana7463]

Thk u for such detailed information concerning the anointing ceremony and its origins.

[@allanbarton]

Glad you enjoyed it, thanks for watching!

[@richardc8795]

What an excellent video! Ty!!

[@allanbarton]

Thank you very much, glad you enjoyed it!

[@pjk1714]

I do appreciate your efforts to provide this video. The history an evolution of the oil is fasinating. I've learned much since subscribing.

[@allanbarton]

So glad you're enjoying my channel, thanks for watching!

[@miriamkling3346]

Very interesting! Thank you for sharing!

[@allanbarton]

Glad you enjoyed it, thanks for watching!

[@educanassa100]

Thank you,Allan

[@hiviolet007]

That was wonderfully informative! Now please excuse me while I go anoint my coffee.

[@allanbarton]

😆 Glad you enjoyed the video 😊

[@lukealadeen7836]

"Not all the water in the rough rude sea Can wash the balm from an anointed King" William Shakespeare, Richard II

[@corallall]

Please explain the ritual of hiding the king from three sides with special screens during the coronation ???

[@TheUnknownCountry]

I love the anointing spoon. I have a miniature copy of it made for the Queen’s Coronation in the original box.

[@kendog52361]

In the last video, you mentioned the usage of the canopy. I'll be honest, I've always heard it was first used in the 1953 Coronation, due to the Ceremony being broadcast live on TV, and that being viewed as the most "sacred" part of the Ceremony, it wasn't for the "riff raff/commoners" to view, hence the usage of the Canopy.

[@allanbarton]

It has been in use since medieval times. The canopy used in 1953 was made for the coronation of Edward VII in 1902.

[@Lisette777]

I wonder, why monsters on the holy oil spoon? Also, thank you, Allan!

[@pixbychris3182]

Lovely video. Oils well that ends well as they say! Also v posh tableware at your house. I am so happy I will know what is going on Many thanks Oh coronation special Antiquary ordered

[@reneknaap1745]

I shall anoint a piece of cake in celebration of the coronation 🤣

[@allanbarton]

😆

[@jcortese3300]

It's a shame there isn't some way to integrate the Alfred Jewel into the coronation process. That way, you'd have something pre-Conquest as well as pre- and post-Reformation items.

[@Margatatials]

Regarding the re-blessing of the oil, as a protestant that currently attends an Anglican church in Sydney Australia, I would assume that it is because whilst Anglicanism and Protestantism in general doesn't have an official problems with Eastern Orthodox Christianity (if it had been blessed b the Pope they wouldn't be using the oil at all I am sure) it still is a different branch or Christianity and is probably being re-blessed into the Anglican tradition specifically, probably unnecessary but understandable.

[@johnwhitehead4446]

Richard II did not want to use the oil of St Thomas for his coronation in 1377 but much later in his reign in the 1396-7. He found the ampulla containing the oil at the Tower of London and asked Archbishop Thomas Arundel if he could be re-anointed. The Archbishop, who was not especially favourable to the King, on the same basis as Pope John XXII in the time of Edward II, took the view that one anointing sufficed and refused. This must have occurred after Arundel was elevated to Canterbury in 1396 and his exile in 1397. Richard apparently took the ampulla with him on his ilI fated visit to Ireland in 1399. Henry IV ( or his executors ) included the eagle ampulla on the tester over his tomb at Canterbury. That reinforces the idea that it became normative for fifteenth century coronations. I assume Charles I’s oil was lost after 1649 and replaced in 1661 using the Mayenne recipe. Sixteenth century Protestants May have decried Catholic views about holy oil but it was still used in Scotland in 1567, and in Denmark it became more important in the coronation rite there by following Old Testament precedents. In England in 1547 and Scotland in 1651 ( in that latter case there was no anointing) the sermon stressed the idea that the King was Divinely elected and needed no such rites, and similar ideas may have existed alongside unction in Denmark.

[@wendyfield7708]

Interesring.

[@tdswen1]

What about the paddle?

[@Cboo-y1v]

🙏🕊️

[@djnunnelly]

will regular subscribers of your magazine receive a copy of the coronation edition as part of ones regular subscription or will that need to be purchased separately?

[@allanbarton]

It's a separate one off David and larger than the usual format, so will need to be purchased separately. There will still be a regular May issue too, which has more coronation goodies in it to look forward to.

[@djnunnelly]

@@allanbarton Thank you, I've gone ahead and placed my order

[@allanbarton]

@@djnunnelly thank you.

[@ordinosaurs]

2:47 Beware of etymology. In French, "le Saint Chrème" (with an "H" in the second place) is the anointing oil deriving from the greek chrisma. But "la crème" (Eng. cream) derives from the late latin /crama /, itself most likely originating from a lost Gaulish word. So it's a split etymology. You're not anointing your cake...

[@danielkarmy4893]

To paraphrase the popular football chant, 'he's Henry Bolingbroke, he does what he wants'...

[@allanbarton]

😆 indeed!

[@mm-yt8sf]

i wonder if the older version of oil stank because it was rancid and wasn't supposed to smell that way when first made? hehe gotta give those foreign oils a good anglican blessing to make sure it's safe 😀

[@regan1317]

whats the name of beckets cult? cheers and thank s

[@wendyfield7708]

As a Catholic, I am particularly interested that the King will be anointed by the oil of chrism, for the first time since the Reformation blessed by a non Protestant patriarch, he of Jerusalem!

[@soschadao]

The cream on the cake bit means a very different thing to Americans.

[@allanbarton]

What does it mean then?

[@soschadao]

@ in American Ebonics it means something more adult

[@allanbarton]

@@soschadao 😬 oh.

[@nadiabrook7871]

❤💗👍

[@billjensen401]

Legend has it that Keith Richards once used the coronation spoon to snort his father's ashes in the late 20th century.

[@alecblunden8615]

It's kept under lock and key. Pardon me if I am sceptical.

[@KarlKarsnark]

One can't help but wonder if the artist had ever actually seen an Eagle. Looks more like a gilt goose.

[@dragonclaws9367]

It must be very moving spiritually for the ruler.

[@jsmcguireIII]

I find it very interesting how much religious ritual is still a part of the modern Coronation given the history of what happened to the Catholic church and all their trappings, rituals, hierarchy and iconography. Hundreds of thousands of British subjects were imprisoned, tortured and massacred for their Catholic faith by the Crown. Protestantism was NEVER about these sorts of things.

[@MrMomo182]

Is it because this new dynasty was originally a Greek Orthodox family, that the oil is made by The Patriarch of Jerusalem?

[@giovanniserafino1731]

I find it odd that the Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem would consecrate Holy Chrism, the most sacred oil used in the Orthodox Church, and allow it to be used in a protestant rite of coronation. Then have it “blessed” again by the protestant Archbishop of Canterbury?

[@giovanniserafino1731]

@@QPRTokyo Obviously, besides being disrespectful and intolerant of other people’s valid questions and concerns, you are ignorant of Orthodox theology and liturgical practices. Unfortunately, this gives a very clear indication as to what kind of a person you are, and in my opinion, not a very nice one.

[@MrMomo182]

Maybe it's because Prince Philip was Greek. His mother Alice, and her Aunt Elizabeth are Orthodox Saints buried in Jerusalem, I believe.

[@giovanniserafino1731]

@@MrMomo182 You may be right,. As an act of kindness recognizing the Greek Orthodox connection to the royal family, I have no difficulties at all. However, I would like some sort of an official explanation by the Greek Orthodox patriarch of Jerusalem as to why this unusual participation in a non Orthodox service is in accordance with Orthodox practice. Lastly, if the patriarch of the Greek Orthodox Church in Jerusalem has consecrated holy chrism, why would the archbishop of Canterbury need to “bless” it again. This is certainly an insult to the Greek Orthodox Church!

[@giovanniserafino1731]

@Bluebell Flora Yes, your response makes perfect sense. Thank you very much indeed.

[@alecblunden8615]

The Orthodox and the Reformation faiths share a common faith and interpretation of the nature of the Trinity. Only the Latin rite departs from the catholic teachings of the church. The Greek word Katholikos derives from Kata/according to And olios/the whole - the faith believed everywhere by all. It has never meant universal and had that been intend😮ed the bowdlerised Latin translation of the Creed would doubtless have used he perfectly accptable Latin word "universalis". The reason the Latin rite tried to appropriate the term has no theological significance. The Emperor Theodosius issued a legally binding Edict - Cunctos populos - in 380 which gave to those who embraced the Nicene formula of the reality of God as the three - Father, Son and Spirit in holy Trinity. All others are condemned as heretics. The Latin rite , as the encyclical Fides et Ratio demonstrates, is based not on Scripture or the Hebraic customs which underpin the church, but on the Classical philosophies of Plato and Aristotle. Therefore , that rite asserts that the reality of God is the Godhead and the three are merely "personae" which the Oxfo😊rd Latin Dictionary defines as masks worn by actors - ie not real. Consequently they deny that Christ has saved ( past tense intended) all who accept the free gift in faith - which is the consistent teaching of Scripture, in all bar the book attributed to James, who adopts the Hebrew concept of faith and works. By the way, Paul acknowledges " works" as the reason we were created. But they are acceptable only if freely offered as a RESPONSE to the free gift of divine grace. Any other understanding makes nonsense of Christianity as a religion, but is perfectly in accordance with Platonism/ neoPlatonism which are philosophies of social control perfectly in accord with a rite which claims ( wrongly, as it happens) to be THE hierarchical and monarchical and only expression of "the church". This defines the Latin rite as heresy., But don't t say it out loud.nIt upsets them. Consequently, the Orthodox and Reformation churches play together nicely and it is entirely suitable for the Patriarch of Jerusalem to consecrate the oils.

[@bifeldman]

As Charles himself has attested his wish to be a feminine personal hygiene product, would not K-9 be more appropriate for him?

[@OndrejSc]

The eagle reminds me of a goose.

[@samuelcronin6364]

It's phenix .not eagle , pagen green man

[@elizabethmcglothlin5406]

This sounds like homeopathy! A small amount of oil lasting that long?

[@hispid1]

I think id prefer my Oil from Floris or Pengaligon. It sounds safer.

[@lambsgreenpasture]

The kings and queens were coronated on Jacob's pillow, underneath the throne. Fascinating and hidden history there. The real Israel tribes are comprised of the Western Christian nations. For there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; neither hid, that shall not be known. Is it true that it has moved back to Scotland, but to Edinburgh? But it does move around, from Ireland to Scotland to England...

[@tintinhickey5869]

Does river water from Jordan - the Biblical lands - play any part …

[@Eponagirl0810]

King Charles III will be annointed with olive oil made in Jerusalem.

[@allanbarton]

Watch part 1, it explains why.

[@populuxe1]

Oh I'm glad you explained the "vegan" myth. I was decidedly confused.

[@allanbarton]

Glad to be of assistance!

[@SafetySpooon]

Hey, if one blessing is good, why not another? It couldn't possibly *hurt*!

[@carolinegreenwell9086]

I don't think I'd like to be anointed with a foul smelling oil !!

[@petersumner7367]

The King should let the Archbishop of York take over, I fear JW is going to mess it up!

[@musicguy20]

Not me holding back to make a joke 🤭

[@jamesconner8275]

Seems like simple Crisco would do.

[@ludovica8221]

Christco!😂

[@patricktracey7424]

follow the holy flip flop of antioch

[@lievenmoelants]

All very much interesting, but it is high time that church and state be separated! And that these medieval customs stay in the museum, where they belong.

[@impartial8987]

Such nasty iconoclast, a modern-day Oliver Cromwell, who is ready to break up, melt, and sell the English heritage.

[@willx9352]

Why? We celebrate the fact that traditional customs are retained by other cultures, yet despise similar customs in our own. The point of monarchy is to connect us with our past.

[@TuckerSP2011]

The King is the head of the Church of England. Why would it be separated?

[@heatherjones6647]

The British King has no role in legislation; Church and State well separated unless you're a Boris-worshipper.

[@smythharris2635]

It's cute that you think medievalism is only present in monarchical sytems. It's everywhere, hierarchies and preferment are common in every institution, particularly progressive ones who are constantly monitoring for dissent from the courtiers.