The History of the Coronation of James II, 1687 (engraving)

An engraved head-piece from Francis Sandford's 'The History of the Coronation of the Most High, Most Mighty and Most Excellent Monarch, James II', showing a crown and two sceptres and the motto: 'Heaven alone protects the throne'. The coronation ceremony of King James II (1685-8), which took place on 23 April 1685 in Westminster Abbey, was described and illustrated in Francis Sandford's book, published two years later. Commissioned by the King himself, it provides a remarkable insight into the day's events, including the preparations for the ceremony, the regalia, the order of the procession, the seating, the ceremony itself, the banquet and fireworks