Seven months later, the people were diverted by the more cheerful
pageant of the king's coronation, which was conducted with great
magnificence. "Two days," as Heath narrates, "were allotted to
the consummation of this great and most celebrated action, the
wonder, admiration and delight of all persons, both foreign and
domestick." Early on the morning of the 22nd of May, the day
being Monday, the king left Whitehall, by water, for the Tower,
in order that he might, according to ancient custom, proceed
through the city to Westminster Abbey. It was noticed that it
had previously rained for a month together, but on this and the
next day "it pleased God that not one drop fell on the king's
triumph." At ten o'clock the roaring of cannon announced the
procession had left the Tower on its way to Whitehall, where his
majesty was to rest the night. The splendour of the pageant was
such as had never before been witnessed. The procession was
headed by the king's council at law, the masters of chancery and
judges, who were followed by the lords according to their rank,
so numerous in all, that those who rode first reached Fleet
Street, whilst the king was yet in the Tower.

No expense was spared by those who formed part of that wonderful
cavalcade, towards rendering their appearance magnificent. Heath
tells us it was incredible to think "what costly cloathes were
worn that day. The cloaks could hardly be seen what silk or
satin they were made of, for the gold and silver laces and
embroidery that was laid upon them; the like also was seen on
their foot-cloathes. Besides the inestimable value and treasures
of diamonds, pearls, and other jewels worn upon their backs and
in their hats, not to mention the sumptuous and rich liveries of
their pages and footmen, some suits of liveries amounting to