The Significance of the Regal Consecration of Edgar in 973
Adrienne Jones
In the history of medieval regal and imperial anointing consecration Edgar as king Angles Saxons in 973 deserves very special attention. For ceremony, performed seventeen years after Edgar's succession to throne Mercia fourteen he had become Wessex, was apparently without precedent either biblical or times. How are we make sense a which by its nature should inaugurate reign constitute king, now took place more than decade half been firmly power? If consider against background contemporary continental customs then magnitude problem emerges all clarity, for late tenth century inaugural assumed at opening reigns most kings western Europe. Regal customary among Franks well over nearly long Burgundy; there is evidence that from an early date small Christian kingdoms Spain, finally, Otto 1 936, also became established German kingdom. each case Old Testament provided pattern anointings: it pouring on holy oil worked regeneration prince virum alium (1 Kings x.6), giving him new heart x.9) thereby constituting ruler God's people x.1). Henceforth spirit God with x.8) christus Domini enjoyed divine sanction protection xxiv.7).
The Journal of Ecclesiastical History