Coronet worn to the coronation of George IV

This coronet was worn by Baron Charles Cornwallis, 2nd Marquess Cornwallis (1774-1823), at the 1821 coronation of George IV (1762-1830), London. When the new monarch was crowned, and on the cry of 'God save the King' all the peers present would have placed their coronets on their heads.

The participants in the coronation ceremony in Westminster Abbey, and accompanying procession, wore specially designed costumes. The cost of the event was enormous, more than 20 times the amount expended on the previous coronation of George III (1738-1820) in 1761. Almost a quarter of the total spent went on ceremonial uniforms and robes. Individual members of the nobility were being expected to fund their own garments.