The Imperial State Crown in the Crown Jewels of Great Britain - Its History, Meaning and Origin

[@robb2biago]

I love the interview with the Late Queen , where she picks up the Imperial crown to see the front. Seeing the State Parliament opening videos with the Queen and Prince Philip is really touching.

[@deniseroe5891]

Watching this now, Her Majesty and Prince Phillip are both gone and now Charles is King. I am an American of British extraction from the 1600’s. I truly loved and mourned the passing of both, they were of my parents generation almost the same ages. History isn’t really taught anymore, especially world history. I didn’t come to love history until my late 40’s. Thank you for your channel and videos.

[@nancylynch6045]

Having grown up in the US, we were not taught much about the Kings and Queens of the UK as well as the Parliament. Many of the kids in school these days don't know much about their own country let alone the rest of the world. I am enjoying your programs and learning about the history of the UK. Thank you from one of the few smart Americans.

[@allanbarton]

Thanks Nancy.

[@pagen5219]

lol what a putz remark.

[@pagen5219]

Few? LOL. Get over yourself. Did you just discover YT? Your shame is not ours in the USA. Nor, your ignorance.

[@csc7225]

You really should have ended your comment at "thank you."

[@nancylynch6045]

OMG A subtle reference to the millions of stupid Americans was wrong?

[@bobbidazzler1343]

As an avid Royalist. I find your videos utterly fascinating. Thank you. 😘

[@allanbarton]

Glad you like them!

[@388Caroline]

I agree ☝️

[@Stand663]

Me too. Keep up the excellent work. I love your videos. Amazing knowledge and insight.❤

[@williamfurtkevic8644]

For those wishing we had a better education, I could not agree more. History is apt to repeat itself. I recently read Winston Churchill's "History of English Speaking People." As an American this book is enlightening, insightful and a tremendous help to those whose history lessons may have been less than ideal - I highly recommend it. Wonderful channel by the way!

[@allanbarton]

Thank you very much! And yes, we do very much benefit from taking our education into our own hands these days, especially where history is concerned!

[@karlheinzvonkroemann2217]

Churchill wasa very good writer but he did embelish some things

[@thelazychefuk4410]

And here we are just four months later with a new King. Excellent presentation Allan, just discovered your channel today and I am transfixed. I wish you much success and hope that many more people will be enlightened about the ancient traditions and unique history of Great Britain. Subscribed, shared and liked (very much!)

[@allanbarton]

Thank you very much indeed. I am glad you like the channel.

[@lorie1163]

Even though I am American, I have been fascinated by the Royals for years. I found your channel by accident, and watched 3 episodes in a row. I subscribed to your channel and will definitely watch more! You explanations are well done, and extremely interesting.

[@allanbarton]

Thank you very much for your kind comment and for your subscription.

[@ianport2185]

I think this video is an important resource succinctly explaining the meaning behind the Imperial State Crown & the importance of The Act of Restraint of Appeals. I'll remember to tweet it when the inevitable denunciation of the crown's title as we approach the coronation.

[@daisyflower4105]

My 6th Great Grandfather was the jeweller who made the crown for George 111. Francis Jacob Grose.

[@allanbarton]

How amazing - has any of the creative talent rubbed off on you?

[@onyinyeokoro3369]

Allan, thank you very much. I came across your channel yesterday when I was wondering how HM Queen Elizabeth II was buried. I am not British but was just being inquisitive. Your story on " The Royal Vault" was amazing and answered all the "whys" in my head. Thank you. Subscribed

[@allanbarton]

Thank you for your kind comment and subscription. The video really is the result of my own curiosity with these things and it is great that it answers questions for you.

[@hsaftab]

Excellently narrated Allan. Well balanced information contained within few minutes of presentation. Worth listening and watching.

[@allanbarton]

Many thanks, that is much appreciated.

[@cathystillman-lowe972]

I had no idea that crowns could be so fluid, changing, being replaced or adapted over the centuries. I saw them as quite static artefacts. I've enjoyed this video very much as a result. I'm sure that there must be other coronation-related artefacts or ceremonial traditions that you could shed light on in this Jubilee year.

[@allanbarton]

it is really surprising, but they are fragile things. The present imperial crown is basically wire and heavy stones! Yes, I will certainly do some more on the coronation - the origins of it as an emulation of Byzantine rites is self-conscious and very fascinating.

[@dmr6640]

Enjoy going back through your old videos. Well done.

[@Angie2343]

RIP Queen Elizabeth II.

[@beebee1676]

Wow this video was timely. R.I.P Queen Elizabeth. It makes me sad people are calling the gems stolen & squabbling about having them returned. Especially to Africa, but now we know who found it & Who bought it.

[@allanbarton]

I try to ignore all that - what is in the past is in the past.

[@beebee1676]

@@allanbarton well it is history isn't it. Everyone & every country has one. I'm glad i found this channel, i don't know a lot about my own culture/history & have shared it with friends. Thanks for the work you put in 🇦🇺

[@TwmUkLive]

They wasn't stolen they was purchased for a birthday present

[@natashanel1665]

Agree

[@wendy9555]

I so enjoyed this presentation of the Royal crowns/jewels. I learned a lot, so, many thanks.

[@elizabethdibble5159]

I just discovered this channel today. As an avid lover of British history, it amazes me that the algorithm did not point me your way before. Subscribed and loving it. Thank you.

[@FrankBlaise09]

I love British history, especially royal history. It is just fascinating and adds a dash of color to the entire saga.

[@REYALP_LAWRENCE]

I'm not a BRITISH BUT IM PROUD OF YOUR HISTORY...RICH CULTURE ,AND TRADITION....AMAZING! AND I LEARNED A LOT IN THIS DOCUMENTARY.GOD BLESS YOUR GOVERNMENT AND STATE.

[@allanbarton]

Thank you.

[@jamesclendon4811]

Learn something new every day--first time I ever heard what "Lying in state" actually meant. Thanks for an interesting video.

[@generalkenobi5533]

You earned a sub for this one. Utterly fascinating history and context.

[@allanbarton]

Thank you very much, I am glad you enjoyed it.

[@carolynridlon3988]

Thank you Allan for the information that your providing to those of us not in the UK. As an American with British isles ancestry (I consider myself a British isles mix mutt - Welsh, British, Cornish, Scottish & Irish ancestors) I had forgotten about during the late queen funeral about breaking the rod over coffin. I had heard about this some many years ago, a piece of trivia, but to see that brought it back. This upcoming coronation will be the only one in my lifetime (along with the late queens funeral) I think. Thank you again and will be watching.

[@nancytestani1470]

That is gorgeous, his new crown. Wow.love it

[@Xanaseb]

Fascinating history, thank-you. The Imperial arched globe-cross crown has rich cosmic symbolism: the 4 arches like the 4 rivers flowing from the garden of Eden (which is also a mountain), the cross at the summit, like that at calvary, and also the axis-mundi(monde)/tree of life, and the ornamented spiky edge like the thorns encircling the mount - kudos (again) to Pageau & Rohlin. Looking forward to the video on St.Edward's crown. I wonder what the transition from the gold, pearls and stones of the medieval & baroque era to the diamonds of the enlightenment period says about England? The vainglory of mercantilism, perhaps...

[@allanbarton]

It does have a cosmic symbolism. I wonder if the medieval English monarchs who introduced the imperial crown were thinking of that clear theological symbolism, or simply about the political messaging. I think I might explore this further. As for stone v diamonds - I was almost certainly to do with the vainglory of mercantilism and the whims of contemporary fashion. Diamonds also fell considerably in price in the 1720s as new South American mines started to open. London in the 1720s and 30s was awash with Brazilian diamonds - suddenly the idea of a diamond encrusted crown became a reality.

[@MamaKittieKat]

Oh wow! I didn't realize that state meant all of those different things! I'm glad u made this video and explained a lot of that kind of back information and didn't just make it about the crown! 🥰

[@pamburt]

A fascinating video which answered many of the questions I had about the origin of the Crowns and the stones contained within them. I was delighted to hear that ( contrary to many vocal critics of Britain and its monarchy), none of the jewels in the Imperial State Crown are actually “stolen” or looted from other countries, but acquired fair and square. I hope those viewing this informative video will use this information to counter the current narrative being spread online, that most of our national treasures are illegal acquisitions!

[@allanbarton]

As you say none are stolen, they were all gifts - I do dislike it when tall stories get traction on social media. People don't understand that this crown is not a symbol of British imperialism, but of British independence.

[@pamelaschutz1248]

@@allanbarton , and that is the most important thing ever, especially at this time. I absolutely believe that the freedom of the world, at this moment, hinges on the British Crown. Regards from South Africa. (I'm one who is very proud you have the Cullinan diamonds).

[@jillcox6685]

I found this absolutely fascinating. Thank you for presenting in such a brilliant way.

[@allanbarton]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@wesleygalvin9983]

Fascinating, thank you! There were some bits I knew, some I didn't. As an Australian Monarchist, I hope that King Charles and hopefully much later William, will at least keep some traditions alive. Coronations and crown wearing are something that sets England apart from other European Monarchies. I sometimes wonder if the other Monarchs wouldn't be slightly jealous?? Interestingly, way out in the Pacific Ocean, the King of Tonga was crowned in 2015 in a ceremony that wouldn't have looked out of place in Europe! Enjoying all of your videos so far, looking forward to more. G'day!

[@charleswatson1093]

@Wesley Galvin Her late Majesty Queen Salote of Tonga endeared herself to the British public during the coronation procession of Elizabeth II in 1953. During the coronation procession, it began to rain and hoods were placed on the carriages in the procession. As Tongan custom dictates that one should not imitate the actions of persons one is honouring, she refused a hood and rode through the pouring rain in an open carriage.

[@Zadir09]

William will continue the tradition. He and the late Queen had a very close relationship and she personally taught him the constitution. I’m sure she instilled in him what Queen Mary instilled in her. I see so much of the Queen’s dutifulness in Prince William. He will be a fine king

[@GrumpyMeow-Meow]

New subscriber here. Thank you for your fascinating content. Although American, my fathers family came from Lancashire, and I love learning about the United Kingdom.

[@allanbarton]

Welcome aboard! Thank you very much for subscribing, I really hope you enjoy the content - lots more in my back catalogue and lots more content to come. Lancashire is a very lovely county with lots of deep history.

[@MadgedeBellwether]

Thank you for a very informative video. I did note one error though. Cullinan II in the front of the crown is 317 carats not 92. Cullinan III is 94 carats and IV is 64. These were the personal property of Queen Mary, who left them to her granddaughter, who referred to them as "Granny's Chips".

[@allanbarton]

Thank you for taking the time to comment - the beauty of this sort of thing is that we learn from one another and I am really grateful for that.

[@MadgedeBellwether]

@@allanbarton Many thanks.

[@nancytestani1470]

Personally, I love that cape and train. Go big George, or go home. Stunning.

[@MrMomo182]

The Crown was ablaze with glory on Her Late Majesty's coffin; like a Mercy Seat, it is truly the palladium of the people. I was completely awestruck, and almost couldn't bear it, to think that all our rights, privileges, and responsibilities descend from it. Terrible and magical.

[@ludovica8221]

excellent! I recently heard the king speak rather disparagingly of the contemporary crown he helped design for his investiture as Prince of Wales so I expect that he will stick with his mother's crown, tweaked a little to provide that sense of continuity he has learned to appreciate is in the long term interests of the monarchy. I think he is done with being too innovative. The outpouring of affection for the late Queen and her way of doing things is a powerful force he needs to hang on to

[@allanbarton]

I think it will be the same crown, simply altered to the form worn by his grandfather George VI. I think at this point continuity is important as you say.

[@ludovica8221]

@@allanbarton Me and my old mum were watching scads of your videos today.. She is loving the channel especially the macabre royal bits and Saint Melangell

[@allanbarton]

@@ludovica8221 you can't beat a video on old bones.

[@MandyJMaddison]

The Prince of Wales crown was exactly what is implied by that. He will not, could not wear the PRINCE'S crown for the Coronation as a MONARCH. ... so there i absolutely no suggestion that he will wear the Crown with which he was invested a Prince of Wales. It is not about it being HIS in the sense of ownership. It never belonged to him personally, ant more than St Edward's Crown has ever belongenged to one of the numerous Monarchs who have briefly worn it.

[@S.T.G.]

It was really interesting and I was quite amazed that you have included the Hungarian Holy Crown in this video.

[@allanbarton]

That crown is such a wonderful object - in due course I will do a video on it.

[@S.T.G.]

@@allanbarton I can hardly wait for that video.

[@thesilversurfer7136]

Thank you clarifying the terms. This was so fascinating.

[@allanbarton]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@carmenfoster6912]

Prof Barton another home run bravo 👏

[@soveryeri1]

Here from the algorithm showing me your royal vault video, this is all super interesting and I'm so glad I found this channel! I watch Dr. Kat on her channel "reading the past" and she has similar material and it's right up my alley!

[@allanbarton]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@sallygough5409]

That was so very interesting Allan. Thank you greatly. I’m hooked!

[@allanbarton]

Glad you enjoyed it Sally, thanks for commenting. Keep looking back there is plenty more to come.

[@davidthemod4729]

Thanks Allen another well-presented piece of English history.

[@allanbarton]

My pleasure.

[@Camille-wj4xs]

I was searching for information about the crowns, the symbolism, the history, and of course the beautiful jewels; I stumbled upon your channel! Thank you so much! This was a great video. I'll be watching it more than once. I'm looking forward to discovering more of your content. 😁

[@allanbarton]

My pleasure Camille, I am glad you enjoyed it. Keep coming back, plenty of content to come.

[@Camille-wj4xs]

@@allanbarton 😁 thank you! Looking forward to more content

[@hanspaas3329]

Terrific account of the history and meaning of the Imperial State Crown. To one who had come to believe that these matters were unchanging this has been quite a revelation as are your comments at the conclusion of the story. We know that the new king is determined to make the monarchy's symbols both links to the past and relevant to the present. He also has limited funds. Hopefully over the next few months we will gain some understanding of his intentions for what will be a very different coronation to that of his gracious mother and all those who have come before.

[@LearnwithJanice]

Hello from Kansas🇺🇸

[@Becky_Theroux_Gockel]

What a wonderful presentation. I loved your telling of the history. It was absolutely fascinating. I have always said that I would rather have Queen Elizabeth II as my Queen than any of the Presidents that we have had.

[@allanbarton]

Glad you enjoyed it, thanks for watching!

[@brendaeggleston7368]

Fascinating history, well worth listening to

[@lisalking2476]

Fascinating, thank you 😊

[@jacquilucquin8206]

Very thorough and very interesting... thank you!!

[@allanbarton]

I am pleased you enjoyed it.

[@bobmiller7502]

as a anti royalist still a very interesting/informative video, dam good show that man ty x

[@wendy9555]

Thanks

[@allanbarton]

Thank you!

[@cmotherofpirl]

This is excellent.

[@allanbarton]

Thank you.

[@itssoeasy5536]

This video is excellent. Thank you.

[@allanbarton]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@denisesudd5318]

I have really enjoyed the videos and have learnt lots

[@allanbarton]

Thank you - glad you are enjoying them.

[@squirepraggerstope3591]

The Crown's symbolism is probably declared most forcefully yet also magnificently in the opening text of Henry VIII's 1533 "Act In Restraint Of Appeals". IE; "WHERE by divers sundry old authentic histories and chronicles, it is manifestly declared and expressed, that this realm of England is an empire, and so hath been accepted in the world, governed by one supreme head and king, having the dignity and royal estate of the imperial crown of the same...". Or in short, England is a fully independent polity and its king is the sole legitimate vehicle of all relevant governmental power and authority. The physical form the crown takes is accordingly that of an Emperor's

[@teaganpsychicrunereader8142]

Brilliant channel I have learnt so much, Thank you

[@allanbarton]

Thank you Teagan

[@fredsmith3456]

Wonderful! Thank you!

[@allanbarton]

Thank you too!

[@rickythe2nd63]

What a wonderful, educational, informative video! I hope King Charles continues to wear this crown and simply has it enlarged a wee bit.

[@allanbarton]

Thank you. I hope so too, I think this is the most likely thing to happen.

[@samanthajimenezzuniga7697]

Love your videos

[@Kelisli]

Excellent work. How about a video on the signet rings worn by different kings, queens (although t I don’t recall any), prince, and princesses. I am certain that the history of the use of signet rings in the royal family would be of great interest.

[@nickimontie]

Another fascinating video - thank you!

[@allanbarton]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@suebee1436]

I have enjoyed every video ive seen tonight. Think this is my fourth. From U.S. thank you....

[@allanbarton]

Thank you, I am really glad you enjoyed it.

[@luislozano6073]

very interesting love it

[@tatihx]

Very good Video, helps a lot 👍

[@allanbarton]

Glad you found it helpful!

[@PC-lu3zf]

Great video.

[@allanbarton]

Thanks!

[@paulmoores5440]

Thank you for this explanation. I had wrongly assumed that "Imperial" referred to the British Empire, since the crown was first made for Queen Victoria

[@clairejarts]

fascinating, thank you for this!

[@allanbarton]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@jldisme]

Thanks!

[@stardust1246]

Fabulous.

[@Diamondmine212]

The bone tingling fact Iv always known about the Ruby at the front of the crown SAW the battle of Agincourt,and was on the head of Richard the third ( a much falsely accused king) at his death on Bosworth field. Can you imagine what it could tell us . The generations today,1 , won’t even have been taught any of those battles,2, couldn’t care less anyway.,sad.

[@allanbarton]

That is an extraordinary thought - it has survived so many vicissitudes. No I don't think they are, unless they are home educated like my kids are. These battles helped form this country into the nation it is. I recently took my son to Towton battlefield (you may have seen the video), it was a moving visit for us both.

[@VioletUpton]

Thank you so much alan. I am a new subscriber from Florida USA, I was fascinated with the crown jewels I love the history. I do get kind of lost with all of the kings and queens, can you do some kind of a family tree I just want to know who is who. Thank you so much.💞💞💞💞💞💞💞💞

[@allanbarton]

Thank you Violet - I should do a video on who's who.

[@tj0405]

Fascinating! Thanks for the explanation of 'state'. However, that brings up the question - in what sense did Sir Winston Churchill lie 'in state' in 1965 by decree of Queen Elizabeth II?

[@allanbarton]

He lay in state as a Knight of the Garter, with his Garter collar and star on a cushion on the top. Had he been crested Duke of Westminster, he would also have had a ducal coronet on the top. Nelson and Wellington lay in state with the symbols of their status atop their coffins.

[@missymason2377]

Educational. New Zealand 🇳🇿.

[@CharlotteinWeimar]

This is a beautiful video and filled with interesting well researched information, and it was very enjoyable.

[@allanbarton]

So glad you enjoyed it! Thank you.

[@stephenburns3678]

Thank you

[@karingroenewegen5906]

Thank you Allan. Very interresting. But what about the fur and fabric?

[@allanbarton]

I will do another video on state robes, fur and fabric. Thank you.

[@allanbarton]

@@michaelmontagu3979 indeed, the cap of maintenance is a sign of authority. The king wearing it during the entrance procession at the coronation.

[@allanbarton]

@@michaelmontagu3979 everything has changed so greatly in the intervening period. I hope traditions like that will remain and that the coronation won't be too streamlined. Given the great shift in the House of Lords, will we see the great throng of peers, and will there be a homage?

[@lindakirk698]

Another good video. As Charles III is looking to cut costs of running the Royal Family, I think he will modify a crown rather than make new. Coronation on a budget - especially with these rising prices that we have.

[@cheshirecat7132]

I say that HRHCharlesIII should cut elsewhere and have a state crown of his own. He’ll need to have it sized anyway. Maybe have a smaller ceremony considering that there were two already this year.

[@allanbarton]

I really hope it isn't too budget - people love lovely ceremonial. We have had extravagant and budget coronations. George IV's was the most expensive in history, his brother William IV's the cheapest. The crown will be recycled as it always has been.

[@brontewcat]

@@cheshirecat7132 Why would he have a crown remade as that would cost millions of £s, instead of resizing the existing Imperial Star Crown which is so much cheaper.

[@williamwallace9427]

Wonderful

[@SVANERT]

Beautifull

[@TyrSkyFatherOfTheGods]

"An expensive white elephant" is one of the more, shall we say, fitting descriptions of George IV.

[@Farrah300]

I remember a video on KZbin in which the Queen talked that she had to raise the address to her face for her to read because the crown was very heavy.

[@franklesser5655]

With all the modern technology it would be fun to have some lighting added to the crown.

[@Simmi658]

RiP to this beautufull monarch...

[@cathafloat1195]

Re Captain Blood and the theft of the Crown Jewels, I have long been fascinated by his story as he married Maria Holcroft of Holcroft Hall in Culcheth, where I grew up. I remember that due to his notoriety as a rogue and trickster his body was exhumed several weeks after death to check that he was really dead.

[@allanbarton]

That is absolutely fascinating, thanks for sharing that. I have to say I know little of him apart from the crown jewels story and that he was a bit of rogue.

[@PC-lu3zf]

The crown will remain I’ve been told by guard at jewel house yesterday but the arches will be raised to make it more comfortable for Charles to wear.

[@allanbarton]

That's what I heard would happen, nice tom hear it confirmed. It will revert to the the same form it had under George VI.

[@PC-lu3zf]

@@allanbarton Pretty much yes.

[@Matityahu755]

Interesting video. Can a Monarch wear a crown before their Coronation?

[@argusfleibeit1165]

I recall decades ago when Charles was invested as Prince of Wales, that a new, very modern looking crown was made for him. It almost had a "space age" look to it. I wonder if we will possibly see it made into his coronation crown.

[@allanbarton]

That belongs to the office of Prince of Wales, we may well see Prince William wearing it.

[@ArchimandritePhilip]

I would like to see a completely new crown for His future Majesty...

[@allanbarton]

A Byzantine one with dangly bits.

[@VioletUpton]

What does that mean!?

[@cheshirecat7132]

I agree completely. HRHCharlesIII certainly waited long enough, he deserves his own .

[@cheshirecat7132]

@@allanbarton that’d suit admirably

[@aib0160]

I hope the tradition continues. You'd think they'd have made separate crowns for kings and queens and their consorts.

[@dmr8914]

As far as Australia - goes i am a Republican.... but i still like the history, pageantry and intrigue of the English and Scottish royals. I will be watching the coronation of King Charles but i will still be hopeful of an Australian Head of State in my lifetime.

[@pavlickrobert]

The Black Prince's Ruby, actually a spinelle, clearly has a smaller separate stone mounted toward the top front and that stone is encircled by a gold setting. What stone is the smaller stone and why was it added to the larger stone?

[@allanbarton]

It’s a plug from the time when the ‘ruby’ was probably worn as a pendant.

[@thelaughingprophet2275]

Thanks for the history. Are you in a position to comment on the relevance of the imperial crown vs St Edwards Crown as far as commonwealth legislation is affected. My understanding is that the Australian Constitution was made under the auspices of the imperial crown. Should the next monarch be crowned as Elizabeth II was, using the St Edwards crown….does this effect the line of authority and the laws hence passed?

[@marilynwoolford-chandler1161]

@Ludo Vica Two questions… Where did you hear Prince/King Charles comment “rather disparagingly “about the Crown used for His Investiture as Prince of Wales?

[@phillipmcgough6282]

omg weird but wonderful as always

[@wtb1949]

You don't discuss the various colors of the velvet caps. I have seen purple, red, and light blue. Are there meanings associated with them?

[@duncanmast]

Has the Imperial State crown had its arches raised back up as well as being resized for the King as they were lowered an inch in 1953 to make the Crown appear more feminine ? So difficult to find any information on line about it. Is it currently off display in the Tower of London ?

[@leomclean331]

One comment made about the lesser Star of Africa...the stone is over 300 carats..not 90+ as stated.

[@cbronoord]

Did you know that there is a replica of this crown? In The Netherlands, the Ascher firm as made a recplica.

[@BarbosaUral]

What keeps the velvet puffed up?

[@bloodycrypt7612]

Would you be willing to also do other Crown Jewels?

[@MrLawnerd]

Amazing video! Thank you for sharing. Are there any primary sources you’d recommend that explain the original use of the term “state” from the French estat?

[@allanbarton]

I will post in the description the sources I have. Thanks for your kind support.

[@fabulousminge]

Who was head of the Church of England when James VII and II was monarch (him being a Roman Catholic)?

[@allanbarton]

He was, ironically.

[@MonteCristoAUS]

What were the crowns that the young Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret were wearing at the coronation of their father? I've not seen them before.

[@allanbarton]

They both wore silver gilt coronets made by Garrards for the occasion.

[@cleverfitz779]

Good afternoon everyone

[@allanbarton]

Hello.