The Three Gold Coaches in London

I've been lucky to see all three Gold Coaches - The Coronation Coach, The Speaker's Coach and the Lord Mayor's Coach. They might be too much for some people, but each one is important in its own right because it has a historical significance.

The most impressive one is the Coronation Coach housed in the Royal Mews. Once you know the history of the Mews, you'll appreciate the ceremonial significance.

The Royal Mews

The Royal Mews has a rich history dating back to the early 14th century. Initially, the mews were a set of stables belonging to the Kings and Queens of England.

The term "mews" refers to the mewing (moult) of the falcons kept there for hunting purposes. Over time, the stables evolved to accommodate horses and carriages, serving the transportation needs of the monarchy.

In 1762, George III moved the stables closer to Buckingham Palace, and the current site of the Royal Mews was established. The buildings underwent significant renovations and expansions throughout the years, with the most recent redevelopment taking place in the late 1980s. Once clearing Security, I took the multimedia headphones and walked around the courtyard. It would be an exceptional experience, and it exceeded my expectations.

Coronation Coach

The Gold Coronation State Coach in Buckingham Palace Mews. It is stunning and placed in its room, with the Wow factor.

Facts

❇️It has been used at every Coronation since 1831. It was built in 1762 to transport British kings and queens. It was designed by William Chambers and made by the coachmaker Samuel Butler. At 260 years old, it has been used at every Coronation since William IV's in 1831.

❇️The coach isn't made of solid gold. The coach is made of giltwood, a thin layer of gold leaf over wood.

❇️It is only ever used at a walking pace. The huge coach is seven metres long, 3.6 metres tall, weighs four tonnes, and needs eight horses to draw it.

❇️It was most recently at the Coronation of King Charles III in 2023. Modern features, including Electric windows and air conditioning, were added before this year's Coronation.

❇️The Gold State Coach is the third oldest surviving coach in the U.K. There are only two more senior coaches in the U.K.: The Speaker of the House of Common's Coach is the oldest, dating from 1698, and the Lord Mayor of London's Coach was built in 1758 (Source: Royal Collection Trust).

I thoroughly enjoyed my trip to the Royal Mews, and there are plenty of 'hands-on' experiences you can do, such as dressing up a King's person in Livery - the ornate clothes worn for ceremonial duties.

The Speaker's Coach

The Speaker's Coach, often called the "gold coach," is a ceremonial carriage used to transport the Speaker of the House of Commons to the State Opening of Parliament, which marks the beginning of a new parliamentary session.

The gold coach is a stunning example of craftsmanship and artistry, adorned with intricate carvings, gilded accents, and royal symbolism. It features a rich crimson interior and plush seating fit for a dignitary. The coach's exterior is covered with gold leaf, giving a regal feel.

The origins of the gold coach can be traced back to the early 17th century. The first recorded use of a Speaker's State Coach was in 1661; subsequent versions were used over the years. However, the current gold coach was commissioned in 1852 for the State Opening of Parliament. It was designed by George Wilkinson, a renowned carriage builder, and features ornate carvings depicting various national symbols and heraldic motifs.

The Speaker's Coach plays a prominent role during the State Opening of Parliament ceremony. On this occasion, the Speaker of the House of Commons is collected from the Palace of Westminster and taken to Buckingham Palace to escort the reigning Monarch to the Houses of Parliament.

The Monarch delivers the Queen's Speech, outlining the government's legislative agenda for the upcoming parliamentary session. After the ceremony, the Speaker returns to the Palace of Westminster in the gold coach, accompanied by other dignitaries and a military escort.

Due to its historical significance and splendid craftsmanship, the gold coach is considered a valuable part of the United Kingdom's heritage. It is only used on special occasions, such as the State Opening of Parliament, and is otherwise kept in secure storage at the House of Commons.

The Lord Mayor's Coach

The Lord Mayor's Coach is linked to the annual Lord Mayor's Show. It was built in 1757 and serves as the official transport for the Lord Mayor of London during ceremonial occasions. It has beautiful intricate carvings and opulent decorations. It's a great example of 18th-century craftsmanship and features allegorical figures and scenes that represent the power and prestige of the City of London.

The coach's construction was commissioned by Sir Charles Asgill, who served as Lord Mayor in 1757-58. Designed by Sir Robert Taylor and built by Joseph Berry of Leather Lane, it cost £1,065 3s. At the time—a princely sum equivalent to over £200,000 today. The vehicle measures 3.6 metres and stands 2.7 metres tall, weighing approximately 3 tonnes. Its wooden framework is covered with elaborately carved panels and adorned with gold leaf, creating a dazzling spectacle as it processes through the streets of London.

Maintained with great care, the Lord Mayor's Coach is housed at the Museum of London when not in use. It undergoes regular restoration to preserve its splendour for future generations. Six horses draw the coach, and eight postilions and four footmen are required to operate during official processions.

Its most prominent annual appearance is during the Lord Mayor's Show, where it carries the newly elected Lord Mayor from Mansion House to the Royal Courts of Justice to swear allegiance to the Crown. This grand tradition has continued for over 250 years, and it is a massive crowd-puller because it reminds everyone of London's rich civic history.

Thank you for your attention.

Best wishes

Tabby