The History of the Coronation of James II, 1687 (engraving)

An illustration from Francis Sandford's 'The History of the Coronation of the Most High, Most Mighty and Most Excellent Monarch, James II', depicting the Ceremony of the Challenge. This was one of the most colourful features of the coronation banquet when the King's Champion arrived at Westminster Hall on horseback to issue a public challenge to any who denied the monarch's right to the throne. The coronation ceremony of King James II (1685-8), which took place on 23 April 1685 in Westminster Abbey, was described and illustrated in Francis Sandford's book, published two years later. Commissioned by the King himself, it provides a remarkable insight into the day's events, including the preparations for the ceremony, the regalia, the order of the procession, the seating, the ceremony itself, the banquet and fireworks