Coronation Gospels

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Saint Matthew, depicted in the Coronation Gospels.
Saint Matthew, depicted in the Coronation Gospels.
Inscription on the back of the picture of Saint Matthew.
Inscription on the back of the picture of Saint Matthew.

The Coronation Gospels is a book that according to tradition has been used as an oath-book at English coronations. It was presented by King Athelstan to Christ Church Priory, Canterbury, in the early tenth century. Athelstan may have received the book from Otto the Great, who was king of Germany, and Otto's mother, Matilda; their names are written on the back of the picture of Saint Matthew shown to the left.[1]

[edit] References

  1. ^ Cannon, John; Ralph Griffiths (1997). The Oxford Illustrated History of the British Monarchy. Oxford University Press, 28-29. ISBN 0-19-822786-8. 
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