Royal Travel
Modes of travel and travelling accessories used by monarchs past and present
Travel in Britain - Official and Private
In the 15th and 16th centuries it was common for monarchs to move between residences to allow for the buildings to be cleaned and refreshed. Vacating London during the summer months was especially important due to the danger of plague and disease in the city. At the same time, a royal progress to the provinces could help consolidate the authority of the crown. Face-to-face meetings were a means of strengthening ties of loyalty with regional nobles who were responsible for upholding law and order in the sovereign's absence. Monarchs like Henry VIII (1491–1547) and Elizabeth I (1533–1603) used their travels to hear petitions and engage in lavish pageantry, which underlined the splendour of the court.
With the accession of James I (1566–1625) in 1603, the kingdoms of England and Scotland were united; after this time monarchs increasingly travelled north of the English border. Charles I (1600–49) journeyed to Edinburgh for his coronation in 1633, and in 1822 the newly-crowned George IV (1762–1830) held a levée at the Palace of Holyroodhouse. His arrival in Holyrood is recorded in a painting in the Royal Collection by Sir David Wilkie (1785–1841) (RCIN 401187). Other ceremonial and official occasions have prompted travel to Ireland and Wales.
Royal travel across the British Isles has also been a way for monarchs to find respite from busy court life. Queen Victoria (1819–1901) famously disliked London and made frequent trips to her private residences at Balmoral in Scotland and Osborne House on the Isle of Wight. Her son, Edward VII (1841–1910), found respite at Sandringham in Norfolk.
