St Catharine’s has held a Royal Charter since 1475 and the College community is marking the coronation of Their Majesties The King and The Queen Consort on 6 May 2023 in a number of ways:
A special Coronation Evensong service will be held in the College Chapel at 6pm on 7 May, with related readings, sermon and music. The music will include the Chapel Choir performing Parry’s setting of ‘I was glad’, which was first composed in 1902 for the coronation of Edward VII and later revised in 1911 for the coronation of George V.
With the Royal Family encouraging communities to share food and fun together, the College is pleased to host a ‘Tea@3’ event at 3pm on 5 May to encourage students, staff and Fellows to connect and take a break from work and exam revision.
A specially curated selection of items the College library and archival collections are currently on display in the McGrath Centre, including the signatures of Charles I and Charles II, and historical accounts of past coronation ceremonies.
The Union flag will be flown at full mast on the main flagpole on 6–8 May.
From the College's collection: An illustration of Westminster Abbey taken from John Dart's 'Westmonestarium' (or 'The history and antiquities of the abbey church of St Peter's Westminster) from 1723
St Catharine’s is also delighted that an alumnus has been commissioned to compose new music for the coronation. ‘Be Thou my Vision –- Triptych for Orchestra’ was written by Nigel Hess (1971, Music; Honorary Fellow 2016), Roderick Williams, and Shirley J. Thompson, and will be performed by the Coronation Orchestra. Nigel begins the piece with an opening horn call inspired by the acoustics of Westminster Abbey which introduces a stirring rendition for the full orchestra.
“On behalf of St Catharine’s, I would like to congratulate Their Majesties on the occasion of their coronation. Given their well-documented appreciation for music and the arts, it is a source of great pride for St Catharine’s that alumnus Nigel Hess has been selected to compose one of six new commissions for the coronation.
“For all but the most senior members of the St Catharine’s community, this coronation is the first time we have had the opportunity to witness the crowning and enthronement of a British monarch. In the midst of term and exam preparation, I hope everyone who wishes to mark this historic event will have plenty of opportunity to do so.”
The Coronation Weekend falls during the Quiet Period when students are sitting or preparing for examinations so care has been taken to avoid any activities that might cause unnecessary disruption. Heads of Department are also facilitating as many staff as possible to take the time to celebrate with their families over the long weekend.
Also from our collection: A letter signed by Charles I, dated 7 August 1634
A letter signed by Charles II, dated 9 December 1664
