The King's Champion and his role at the British Coronation

[@steveriggan8944]

Another great post, Allan. I visited the Dymokes in 2017 when I went to the UK. I toured the church where the family is all buried and there is a monument to the family of our first US President George Washington whose great-great grandfather, Col George Reade, came to Virginia and was a great grandson of Edward Dymoke, 21st Champion. Edward Dymoke’s first cousin Lady Alice (Dymoke) Skipwith, was the great great grandmother of Mrs Diana Skipwith Dale, another colonial immigrant to Virginia, who was my mother’s ancestor. The late Queen was a descendant of Col George Reade of Virginia herself and, through the Bolle family of Haugh, also from my ancestor Alice Dymoke Skipwith. I just recently wrote an article about this for the Jamestowne Society magazine in tribute.

[@stepps511]

I am lapping up each of these historic coronation customs and roles you are bringing to us, Allan. Thank you for them all. Oh, and when you start up that Society to Bring Back Medieval Flummery, let me know. I would love to join you!

[@sweptashore]

I would join and proudly wear the official T-shirt! 😂

[@parkerbrown-nesbit1747]

@@sweptashore me too!

[@allanbarton]

I was only having a jest - but I may well do so.

[@stepps511]

@@allanbarton I know. Yet, it could be fun!

[@kaeten838]

In a dreary old minimalist world a little more medieval flummery mayn't come amiss. I hope Allan will take up the gauntlet and form a band of merry flummeryists. Take that ChatGBT; huzzah!

[@ThatDonChannel]

I have heard a few stories about the King's Champion's challenge, and wonder how many of them are true: * The champion used to go to the stables and choose the second-best horse (or, as written, "the best horse, save one"), then go to the armory and choose the second-best armor * At the end of the challenge, the horse and rider leave the banquet hall backwards, as the champion must never turn his back on the monarch - but one year, the horse entered backwards as well * Even after the Reformation, where there would be no need for the monarch to perform penance, there was still a "need" for the King's Champion as fighting a commoner in single combat was beneath the monarch * The reason they stopped after George IV: his successor, William IV, pretty much had to be talked into having a coronation at all, and got rid of most of the expense, including the banquet * Probably the most famous story is the one where, at the coronation of William & Mary, an "elderly woman" actually did pick up the gauntlet and issued a challenge, but at the appointed time, one side or the other (possibly both) did not show. Supposedly, the woman was actually a Jacobite man in drag who was also an expert swordsman.

[@dave928]

OMG. Charles should go completely retro, and let this guy challenge all to mortal combat.

[@sweptashore]

Delightfully informative medieval fruppery. I can't help but think that John Cleese's Black Knight would've been a brilliant King's Champion. Also pleased to see that the horses have opted to hug it out whilst the Champion and challenger do battle.

[@mnfrench7603]

‘It’s just a Scratch.

[@4sstg]

The visuals, pictures are remarkable!

[@ChrisHunt4497]

I love that the Champion wore huge plumes on his helmet that matched the horse’s. I love the word flummery. I would join just for that. 😂 Looking forward more and more to the Coronation with each of your videos. 😀😀😀😀

[@Herr_Flick_of_ze_Gestapo]

And bear in mind that these ostrich plumes were VERY expensive. And each of the plumes you see are not actually a single plume..... in plumasserie (the art of feather work) it is common to plane down the rib of an ostrich feather so it becomes thinner ... then they would stack 2 or 3 feathers on top of eachother and sew them togetherto give a more puffy fuller effect. then the entire plume would be trimmed into shape. the edges would be curled with a blunt knife and the entire plume would be bend into shape using steam. So if you for instance see 10 plumes on a helmet it is actually 30 feathers that are being used to make it. And them being brought all the way from africa makes the whole thing very costly and elaborate.

[@allanbarton]

Thank you very much! Hopefully the event, when it comes, will be very much full of flummery!

[@historiaobscurum3308]

I have to confess, I am certainly no monarchist nor lover of pomp and ceremony, but these videos you've done in this series continually draw me in and keep me hooked. Not only is all this information extremely fascinating, but your presentation of the subject (like all of your video presentations) are so well done. Thank you for doing these!

[@allanbarton]

Glad you like them! Thanks for watching.

[@SeldimSeen1]

That is so interesting. Stories like this are one of the reasons I subscribe to this channel.

[@allanbarton]

Glad you enjoyed it, thanks for watching!

[@cactusrandomfred1]

I am incredibly nervous that traditions like this are being quietly dispensed with for this coronation. There seems to be a mentality that everything strange or obscure is too difficult to bother with or justify.

[@smythharris2635]

It's interesting you say that when certain events have become platforms for bizarre and silly displays Taht are regarded as cool.

[@reneknaap1745]

Even ‘flummery’ a word worthy of restoration!

[@smythharris2635]

I still use it along with others like fol-de-rol, gallimaufry, tincture, prestidigitation, thalassic and so on.

[@jimik89]

This is great, keep the coronation videos coming 👍

[@allanbarton]

Glad you enjoyed it, thanks for watching!

[@keithkennedy-tyson8578]

Real enjoyable. If I remember rightly the Dymock's have a special quartering for their coat of arms which relates to their office as Champion. I also remember being told by a Scot of Jacobite taste the mythical tale of Bonnie Prince Charlie ducking out of the crowd and running off with the gauntlet at George I's coronation. The tale was told with as much glee as inaccuracy. Thank's again.

[@jenniferbrannon]

Love these historical videos - they’re fascinating and fun!

[@allanbarton]

Glad you're enjoying my channel, thanks for watching!

[@marthavanbeek-putters]

I look forward to the coronation. With all the information given by you it will be more understandable. Thank you for that Martha

[@allanbarton]

Glad you're finding the series helpful! Thanks for watching.

[@suenesnidal2600]

I, also..

[@CherylK.333]

I love a bit of medieval flummery myself. I'm looking forward to looking out for all of the particulars I've been learning from your videos as I watch the coronation.

[@allanbarton]

Glad you're enjoying the series! BBMF!

[@The3Kosmos3]

I have a coat of mail and mail hood for medieval re-enactments, but they are so heavy I've only used them 2 or 3 times for half an hour or so each time. Still, they could always come in handy😃

[@EllenCFarmGirl]

We will all be so smart come may! I got a chuckle out of the horses wrestling as well. Thank you!

[@allanbarton]

Thanks for watching 😊

[@nadiabrook7871]

Another VERY INTERESTING video, Allan!! XXXX 💗👍❤

[@Lisette777]

I do love me some flummery! I say, set up that challenge! Bring it all back lol :) I am betting you could write a few books on the flummery, the meaning behind it, and also, a few books on the origins of those interesting British surnames and place names. :) Thanks for another awesome video!

[@smythharris2635]

A Dictionary of British Place Names by A D Mills.

[@R.J._Lewis]

Scrivelsby is far and away the most English sounding town name I have ever heard, even having been through the country several times.

[@mbvoelker8448]

Such an enjoyable series. My "knowledge" of coronation ritual comes strictly from fantasy fiction so it's wonderful to learn about the real thing.

[@allanbarton]

So glad you're enjoying the series- and pleased to be able to sort out some of the fact from the fiction for you! 😆

[@annettewillis2797]

Bring back medieval flummery! Brilliant as always Allan. I, too, enjoyed the horses hugging during the challenge!

[@allanbarton]

Glad you enjoyed it, thanks for watching! BBMF!

[@grumpynanny7402]

I think the horses are fighting. They look angry.

[@nickimontie]

What an interesting history of a role still being fulfilled today!

[@TerryC69]

Hi Allan! So many marvelous bits to savor in this video. I will mention just two. The armor made for Sir Christopher Hatton, is glorious. If there ever was armor that meets my romantic notions of a knight, this is it! Kingly indeed! The second bit is the recorded proclamation read before the Champion. The verbiage is positively dripping with machismo! Absolutely fantastic. The little bits of humorous commentary you peppered in were brilliant. Outstanding video!

[@allanbarton]

Thanks very much! Glad you enjoyed it.

[@ludovica8221]

Sign me up for the Society to Bring Back Medieval Flummery. So tired of the modernizers who rob us of our unique culture

[@zxczxczxc987]

Just got my first copy of the magazine. It's fascinating! Thanks very much.

[@GBTCO2b]

We've already got a King's Champion. Alan Titchmarsh. He could go from the Tower to Westminster on ride-on mower.

[@stevetatchell5571]

I've just discovered your channel. It's brilliant! Thank you for the work you put into each presentation.

[@allanbarton]

Welcome and thank you for your kind words.

[@amymahers2957]

Thank you Allan, more info on all the “ceremonies” that take place before, during and after the coronation. Do you think Charles will pare down or eliminate this honor?

[@adambattersby8934]

It's as good as abolished already. There hasn't been a King's Champion present at a coronation since that of George IV in 1821.

[@dianetheisen8664]

@@adambattersby8934 That's a shame, really, I would have loved to see the King's Champion and his horse. 🐎

[@inisipisTV]

Yes, bring back Medieval Flummery. "Trial by Combat" should be an alternative to court trials.😅

[@pixbychris3182]

Fascinating being from nr Woodhall Spa I knew of the Scrivelsby connection. Loved the picture of the 2 horses embracing but can't think why.

[@mavisemberson8737]

No. They are intended to show that they are fighting. Typical failure of observation on the part of illustrations in manuscripts :-)

[@ChrisHunt4497]

Having just seen an article in the paper about the anointing oil that will be used at the Coronation, I am sure you will be delighting us with information on this. Hope so. Thanks Allan.

[@benz.]

Great video. What's shocking for me in all this, is that the (presumably) current King's Champion has still not received an invite to the coronation. I hope this has changed since his article in January, but I'm yet to see news to contrary. It would be a shame to lose a 1000 year old tradition.

[@allanbarton]

I read that article too, it must be an oversight.

[@benz.]

@@allanbarton I too think it's an oversight. I'm hoping that with the establishment of the office within the cabinet office, he can make his claim and they will honour it.

[@allanbarton]

@@benz. I'm sure they will - to see such an ancient office go would be a tragedy.

[@marilynwoolford-chandler1161]

But will it help save the planet? Yes I know ,spoilsport. We had a Dymokes Bookshop briefly in Orkland , it was truly wonderful but likeso many wonderful flummeries they don't make Mo ney 🥴🛁 just give joy to tthr🌏

[@benz.]

@@marilynwoolford-chandler1161 respectfully, I don't understand a thing you've just tried to say.

[@TyrSkyFatherOfTheGods]

The reason you couldn't have a King's Champion issuing challenges in a coronation procession now is that there'll be countless yobs in the crowd elbowing their mates saying, "Ere, 'ave a go!" and the streets would be soaked in blood.

[@ChristopherNFP]

And your point is? That is the Dudes role to accept them. It would teach King Charles to nominate a chartered accountant as his champion instead of a bovver boy from Liverpool or Yorkshire or Newcastle. My ideal of the champion would be Dennis Waterman from his Minder days.

[@lukealadeen7836]

Another great video, please keep them coming

[@TuckerSP2011]

BBMF! Yes! I love seeing all of these traditions.

[@archiebald4717]

Fascinating. Thank you.

[@allanbarton]

Glad you enjoyed it, thanks for watching!

[@norlington2]

In 1761 at George III's coronation, the Champion's horse was claimed to be the same one ridden by George II at the Battle of Dettingen in 1743. It must have been a very elderly horse if that were true.

[@allanbarton]

I hadn't heard that one, thank you. Ha, ha - I suppose it is just about possible, but it wouldn't have been much of a perk!

[@mattkaustickomments]

@@allanbarton George III was known as a skinflint so I wouldn’t be surprised for him to dump an old horse on the Champion. Lol. Hopefully it was actually the progeny of Geo II’s steed and it just looked exactly like his father.

[@jodydiou]

That was a really good video! Thank you Now I'm ready to go to Leeds and see King Henry 8th armor from the cloth of Gold

[@KLanio-lr8yv]

who else would like to see that tradition revived

[@rondifrankel]

Fascinating! I would be interested to know what happened at the coronations during the struggle between the houses of York and Lancaster. Did the Champion have to answer challenges at the coronations of Henry IV, Henry V, Henry VI, Edward IV, Richard III, Henry VII? Or did they get around it somehow like King James II?

[@ChristopherNFP]

Henry VII was the (successful) challenger on 22 August 1485. I reckon he squibbed it at his coronation.

[@dorisschneider-coutandin9965]

No, Dymoke had not to answer to any challenge at the Coronation of King Richard III, which took place on July 6, 1483. He remained unchallenged as Henry Tudor was out of the country, loitering at the French Court then.

[@ChristopherNFP]

@@dorisschneider-coutandin9965 And this means that the Dymock family fulfilled the rule of Champion for both Yorkist and Lancastrian kings?

[@dorisschneider-coutandin9965]

@@ChristopherNFP I suppose. Whoever was king, Dymoke had to serve him.

[@rhiannonpoole6019]

So, I was reading the article on the King's Champion in your March magazine, and I thought I'd find out more by googling. And google sent me straight here! This is a lovely video amplifying the article, I mean you can't go wrong with horses having a cuddle, can you?

[@allanbarton]

That it brought you straight here just shows how niche I am Rhiannon!! Sometimes I google things and the only thing that comes up is something I have written.

[@arlenewitt248]

Loved the video. Ending the right of challenge is probably a good thing since the anti-monarchists might challenge the King’s champion and the new guy doesn’t look like he can take on anyone successfully or consume a VERY large cup of wine without falling off his horse given his age.

[@conniehopkins6105]

Allan, what would have happened if someone had challenged the King's Champion before Henry VII's coronation and won? Henry really had no right to the throne except by combat. If the challenger won, who would be next in line?

[@dianetheisen8664]

Good question

[@Herr_Flick_of_ze_Gestapo]

Very interesting and informative. Thanks for uploading Allan. Cheerio and God bless.

[@allanbarton]

Glad you enjoyed it - thank you.

[@marilynwoolford-chandler1161]

Marvellous Allan. I'd like to donate you an entire suit of golden armour for these wonderfully entertaining and informative videos..Were those horses hugging or wrestling in mortal combat once their riders were unseated?

[@truefairytale164]

It's really great to see how UK is still holding on to its ancient culture, but I wonder why other European monarchies don't have a coronation anymore??? Everyone thought some of them have more public support than Canadian royal family....

[@lilyandrose8557]

I have had someone suitable in my mind to perform this role for a couple of months, life got busy and I didn’t follow up the idea. However, I will still email His Grace the Duke of Norfolk and mention it.

[@mnfrench7603]

Something is telling me that the Kings Champion will not ride, nor fight for the King, before the coronation. And I really don’t think Westminister would allow a horse in the building.

[@tedb.5707]

A Land Rover and dbl-barreled shotgun would be appropriate today.

[@ChristopherNFP]

You forgot to mention the most important fact. He is a chartered accountant. Not known for their aggro or stamina and endurance. If it came to a 1 on 1 fight with Dymock , i think i could take him. If not, my nephew certainly could. If the challenger is successful then surely he must become king? That is how it worked for the honourable, wise and brave Henry Tudor in 1485.

[@robinsmith9856]

I would note that the contemporary account of the coronation feast of Elizabeth I tells of the Queen's Champion, Sir Edward Dymoke, entering Westminster Hall on horseback and issuing the traditional challenge.

[@pjk1714]

King Charles has his own Champion - Johnny. I dare anyone cross that path.

[@educanassa100]

Always watching

[@junisoehardjo]

6.47 the horses hug each other whilst their knights settle the matters accordingly. So cute 🥰😍

[@mm-yt8sf]

wow so if i had enough money to convince the owner of the estate to sell it to me, i could become the champion! but if someone wanted to kill me they just had to wait for the next coronation and challenge the kingship and fight me....i'm pretty sure i'd lose. 😀 perhaps in the future the king's champion will have gold trimmed powered assault armor!

[@BrianWilkesMedia]

I have the honor of descending from the Marmion-Dymoke line of Royal Champions, as does His Majesty. While Francis John Fane Marion Dymoke is still alive, my understanding is that at 68 he is no longer able to ride for an extended period, and so his son, Henry Francis Marmion Dymoke ( my 12th cousin) will take on that duty in his place as standard bearer. Henry is 28, which is in line with the rehearsal videos I've seen posted. God Save the King!

[@allanbarton]

Francis will in fact be doing the duty himself, or so his wife tells me. I'm going to be interviewing him after the coronation.

[@dennispearson871]

Yes !...Yes !......Three Cheers for More Medieval Flummery !...Pip Pip !!!...etc..

[@leev4206]

I have read that a champion also either issued a challenge or accepted a challenge on behalf of someone unable to do so himself due to age or infirmity. Is this correct?

[@aileenbuckle8062]

Another informative video-thank you Allan. Can't wait for the March edition to land in my letterbox. Wonder if there would be an appetite for a special coronation edition? With a sort of melting pot of the coronation history videos you've delighted us with? I'd be all over that one :-)

[@allanbarton]

They are just going out today. Funny you should say that about a coronation special I have one in preparation.

[@johnhaynes9910]

Thanks, great fun and very informative :)

[@allanbarton]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching.

[@nemorinoeso7581]

So the poor Francis Dymoke has to fight against all those republicans aged 68.

[@allanbarton]

He should send his son to do the dirty work.

[@leahnichol6665]

I believe the King’s Champion ought to take up modern methods and there ought to be a rip-roaring debate on the benefits of Monarchy that Mr. Dymoke must win. With all the kerfuffle that has gone on lately it would at least be enlightening for the public. More of us need to know more about what our society is based upon.

[@suenesnidal2600]

Wow, this was quite interesting to me....I love history....Just wondering if there is any of this taught in your schools? I did enjoy this podcast....Thanks.

[@delphinidin]

Now I want to read a novel where the Dimmock family have to sell their estate and someone unknowingly buys it and becomes king's champion, and then he offers to fight anyone who disputes Charles III's accession to the throne and somebody else wins and Britain becomes a republic. :p

[@heatherdeavalon]

Always informative 👍

[@allanbarton]

Glad you found it helpful, thanks for watching!

[@fintan3563]

Any relation to Blessed Abbot Columba Marmion, OSB?

[@EdMcF1]

Will a certain private person turn up at William's coronation to challenge?

[@Herr_Flick_of_ze_Gestapo]

#waaagh 😆

[@EdMcF1]

Nit pick but isn,t it essentially an English ceremony with a few nods to Scotland?

[@allanbarton]

The whole Coronation is an English ritual, with no nod to Scotland until 1953. However, when I refer to England in these things I get a tirade of annoyed comments, so I now avoid it for the sake of peace.

[@scottmccarter861]

Well done

[@VincentGroenewold]

Another one! Nice. :)

[@trimegistus]

Please do a video on George IV's coronation.

[@ghjgbnhjjghjthknvf6379]

Im surprised some Russian oligarch hasn't offered them 200 million and take the estate and the title for themselves. 😂

[@rorywhittaker4485]

I’m not sure if people are aware but the champion for King Charles the third. Died just before Christmas

[@allanbarton]

He did very sadly, he was only 68.

[@Timdalf1]

I think they ought to revive the custom... but put him in the procession to the Abbey with armour, trumpeters, heralds and so on... let the scurrilous, dastardly republicanists dare to show their besmirched faces.... and then have to return to their sodden dens until the next corornation...

[@allanbarton]

😆

[@donnapolizzia8553]

interesting!

[@allanbarton]

Glad you enjoyed it, thanks for watching!

[@dnstone1127]

'Champion' sounds French, must be a Norman invention.

[@BrianTelevision]

Knowing these times, if that tradition of combat was still in use, someone would take the fight to the champion just for the clout. Edit: removed a question as it was already asked

[@geritavares6031]

Oh let Harry be the Champion!

[@Chris-fh2cl]

BBMF!

[@trussell9899]

BBMF!!!! 100%

[@adambattersby8934]

There hasn't been a King's Champion at a Coronation since that of George IV in 1821.

[@michaelwhite8031]

Charles is not my King. You are missed Elizabeth ll.