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The Royal Sceptres: From Sir Edward Dove

FROM SIR EDWARD DOVE, CROSS AND MOUND.

EDWARD WALKER'S ACCOUNT OF OF CHARLES II.

CORONATION constantly used by kings from a very remote period. In France it was formerly the custom to let white doves loose in the church after the coronation of the kings.

This sceptre is borne in the left hand of the sovereign at the coronation.

THE QUEEN'S SCEPTRE WITH THE CROSS The Queen's Sceptre with the Cross is first figured in Sandford, as it was made for Queen Mary of Modena (Fig. 35); and, with some alterations, that now existing in the Tower agrees with his account. The sceptre is all of gold ornamented with diamonds. At the top is a double fleur-de-lys, with three leaves bending upwards and three bending downwards, all thickly jewelled with diamonds of fair size. Above this is a mound of gold with a fillet set thickly with diamonds, and an arch over the top of the globe jewelled in the same way. The cross-patée at the top has a large diamond in * Though this sceptre is now used at coronations and at them is specifically named the Rod of Equity and Mercy, it is interesting to note that St. Edward's Staff (see p. 30) appears to have an even older tradition giving it the title of the Rod of Justice and Equity.