Order in the Court – of Claims

Today’s shiny dinglehopper is three steps removed my research subject-of-the-day.

Step 1: June 2, 1953 was coronation day for England’s Elizabeth II. The 27 year-old monarch acceded to the throne on February 6, 1952 (the day King George VI died), but delayed her coronation for three months in order to mourn her father’s passing.

Step 2: While investigating English coronations (to distinguish them from the ones observed in France), I discovered that persons who claimed the right to attend a coronation could bring suit before a special Court of Claims, which led to…

Step 3: the discovery that the English Court of Claims originated in 1377, but that in the time of Henry VII the judicial duties were granted to a commission instead of a court. Whether performed by a court or by commission, the duties of the Court of Claims haven’t changed. After the death of an English sovereign, the commission hears and evaluates claims regarding the performance of duties at the new sovereign’s coronation.

It’s an interesting process, and one I’d never given any thought. It makes sense, however, in light of the complexities of English noble lines and the British proclivity for laws and legal affairs.

And now you know something about history that you probably didn’t know before.