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Assorted regalia from the Crown Jewels
The Crown Jewels

The Crown Jewels are the most complete collection of royal regalia in the world

SIR ROBERT VINER, 1ST BARONET (1631-88)

The Spurs

1661 with 1820 additions

RCIN 31725

Each of the gold spurs features a Tudor rose and a velvet-covered strap with gold embroidery. 

Gold spurs were first included among the English coronation ornaments in 1189, at the coronation of Richard I (the Lionheart). They symbolised knighthood, and their use in the coronation ritual derives directly from the ceremony of creating a knight.  These spurs were made in 1661 for Charles II but were altered in 1820 for George IV, when new textiles replaced the earlier buckles and straps.

The spurs form part of the coronation ceremony in which the sovereign is invested with the ornaments or symbols of royalty. Traditionally the spurs were fastened to the sovereign's feet, but since the Restoration they have simply been held to the ankles of kings, or in the case of queens regnant, presented and then placed on the altar. After the investiture the sovereign is crowned.


    The income from your ticket contributes directly to The Royal Collection Trust, a registered charity. The aims of The Royal Collection Trust are the care and conservation of the Royal Collection, and the promotion of access and enjoyment through exhibitions, publications, loans and educational activities.