Ancient_and_modern_York_a_guide

MODERN YORK. 31
that the coronation took place in the Chapter House, on
the 8th September, 1483, and that the crown was placed
on the king's head by Archbishop Rotheram.* On the
appointed day, the clergy led the state procession in copes
richly vested ; and at the most impressive part of the
moving pomp, the king appeared with his crown and
sceptre, in the fullest majesty which royal apparel could
impart. A numerous train of nobility followed, preceding
the queen, bearing also her diadem ; and leading in her
hand her little son, ten years old, with golden rod and
demy crown. The effect was as great as the kingly con
triver had anticipated or could desire. The flattered and
delighted populace of the rude north, which had never
witnessed such a spectacle since the days of the Saxon
octarchy, shouted their tumultuous rapture, and extolled
him to the skies. f Upon this occasion, Richard made
good his promise to the citizens, and relieved York for
ever of rent paid to the crown of £23 9*. 2c?., a vast sum,
when the difference in the value of money is estimated
and the fact considered, that in those days a quarter of
wheat might be purchased for two shillings !
After the battle of Bosworth field, where Richard fell,
Richmond ascended the throne as Henry VII., which king,
by his marriage with Elizabeth of York, united the houses
of York and Lancaster ; thus happily putting an end to the
fatal feud of the white and red roses. In immitation of his
predecessor, Henry made a tour, after his coronation at
London, to the north. The new king approaching York
was received three miles from the gates by the corporation
and citizens on horseback ; near the walls by processions
of friars, and within the city by vast multitudes. The cry
of " the mervellous great nomber of men, women and
children on foote," says Hearne, " was King Henry !
* There is a chair in York Minster, which tradition has for ages declared
to have been used at the coronation of this king, in the Cathedral.
t Sharon Turner's History of England.