Harry Channon

Published: 22 September 2020

Congratulations To Harry Channon

Earlier this year, Harry Channon was honoured to be invited to Windsor Castle to attend the traditional Maundy ceremony as one of the recipients of the Maundy money to be presented by the Queen, followed by a lunch in the State rooms of the Castle. For obvious reasons this ceremony had to be cancelled. However, the Maundy money was sent through the post, together with a letter from the Queen, very much regretting the cancellation, but commending him for his valuable service over the years to the Church and the community.

The silver coins, specially minted, arrived in two beautiful presentation purses, in soft leather, one red, one white. The white purse contained small coins to the face value of 94p,in values ranging from 1p - 4p. In the red purse was a large silver coin, face value £5, commemorating the tricentenary of William Wordsworth's birth. With it was another coin, celebrating all the British athletes due to take part in the Olympic Games.

Harry and Lucy will always treasure these coins, with their historic significance, and their provenance.

 

Harry Channon

History of the Maundy money

The present day Maundy ceremony has evolved from an ancient tradition of the monarch giving alms to the poor at Easter-time. The first written record of this goes back to 1210, when King John took part in the ceremony at Knaresborough Castle, in Yorkshire. From then on, for 800 years, the reigning monarch gave alms to the poor at Easter. Then, for 200 years, the tradition of money being presented personally by Royalty lapsed, and the money was distributed by the Lord High Almoner.. However, in 1932 King George V restored the ancient custom. He personally distributed the Maundy money in Westminster Abbey, and Edward V111, and King George V1 continued this traditional. ceremony frequently during their reigns. Our present Queen has followed in this tradition, performing the ceremony annually, at different venues around Britain.

The presentation of coins is no longer an act of charity. Instead, it is now an honour marking valuable service to the Church and the community.The number of recipients increase for each year of the Sovereign's life. This year, 94 men and 94 women were invited to receive the purses of specially minted coins..

 

Why is it called Maundy money?

The name relates to the new commandment given by Jesus to his disciples at the Last Supper, 'to love one another'. The Latin words for 'new commandment' are 'mandatum novum', and it is from the word 'mandatum that the title Maundy derives. The money was dispensed as an act of love.