George IV’s giltwood throne and footstool

The giltwood throne and footstool of King George IV supplied for the Enthronement and Presentation of the Regalia and the Coronation banquet at Westminster Hall on July 19th 1821.

George IV was known for his extravagance and lavish lifestyle. His coronation in 1821 cost in the region of £240,000 (almost £27 million in today’s money). By contrast, his father’s coronation in 1761 had cost around £10,000.

The throne is covered in its original crimson velvet with metal-thread braid surmounted by the Royal arms, Garter and monogram, on massive lion monopodia supports. On the back is a plaque inscribed ‘The Chair & Footstool Used by H M George IV at His Coronation 1821’, and the chair is inscribed in ink ‘Largest State Chair’. The footstool is of similar design, standing on paw feet and inscribed in ink ‘George IV Rex’.

The throne and footstool were supplied by Russell, Valance & Evans at a cost of £117.4s. for the throne and £17.18s. for the stool. It was upholstered by Bailey and Saunders with crimson velvet supplied by William King and gold lace and fringe supplied by Thomas Charlton at a cost of £12.10s. Bailey & Saunders supplied the three yards of ‘very deep Crimson Silk Fringe’ for £26.15s.6d. with additional work at £9.9s.

The throne and footstool, together with its canopy (now in the Gothic Bedroom), were claimed by Lord Gwydir, the Deputy Great Chamberlain, ‘as was the uniform custom’ and removed after the Coronation to Grimsthorpe.