The use of crowns by dukes originated in 1362, when Edward III. created
his sons Lionel and John dukes of Clarence and Lancaster respectively.
This was done by investing them with a sword, a cap of maintenance or
estate, and with a circlet of gold set with precious stones, which was
imposed on the head. Previous to this dukes had been invested at their
creation by the girding on of a sword only. In 1387 Richard II. created
Richard de Vere marquess of Dublin, and invested him by girding on a
sword, and by placing a golden circlet on his head. The golden circlet
was confined to dukes and marquesses till 1444, when Henry VI. created
Henry Beauchamp, earl of Warwick, premier earl, and the letters patent
effecting this concede that the earl and his heirs shall wear a golden
circlet on the head on feast days, even in the royal presence. As to the
form of these circlets we have no clear knowledge. The dignity of a
viscount was first created by Henry VI. in 1439, but nothing is said of
any insignia pertaining to that dignity. It is believed that a circlet
of gold with an upper rim of pearls was first conferred on a viscount by
James I., who conceded it to Robert Cecil, Viscount Cranborne. However,
in 1625-1626 it is definitely recorded that the viscounts carried their
coronets in their hands in the coronation procession from Westminster
Hall to the Abbey church. The use of a coronet by the barons dates from
the coronation of Charles II., and by letters patent of the 7th of
August 1661 their coronet is described as a circle of gold with six
pearls on it.
[Illustration: FIG. 24.]
[Illustration: FIG. 25.