Is This an Anglo-Saxon Throne? – The History of St Augustine's Chair

From Allan Barton - The Antiquary

This video explores the history of thrones in Canterbury Cathedral used in the enthronement of a new Archbishop. While the first is the 1844 Gothic archbishop’s throne, the focus is of the video is on the second: the ancient looking Chair of St Augustine. Despite tradition claiming it belonged to St Augustine, England’s first archbishop sent in 597, the this is a myth. The current stone chair was actually built between 1201–1204 during the cathedral’s reconstruction. Made from Petworth marble, its austere Gothic design may have been crafted to appear ancient, symbolising the monks’ authority during disputes with archbishops. The chair’s location has changed repeatedly across centuries before being restored to its original 13th century position in 1977. In modern times, it has acquired new symbolic meaning representing leadership of the Anglican Communion — a later tradition unrelated to its origins.