Queen Elizabeth II 25th Anniversary Coronation First Day Cover, Norfolk Island postmarked on June 29, 1978.
Norfolk Island
Norfolk Island is a small volcanic island in the South Pacific, 1035 miles north east of Sydney. Its 13 1/4 square miles comprise an undulating plain which rises to the 1043 ft. Mount Bates, surrounded by a rugged coastline. The island has a fertile soil producing citrus fruit, avocados, bananas, guavas, peaches, pears, and palm and bean seeds for export.
Discovered in 1774 by Captain James Cook, and named after the Duke of Norfolk, the island was settled four years later as an outstation from the New South Wales convict colony, for convicts who further disobeyed. Thus the small town of Kingston, situated on the southern coast by one of the few good anchorages, became the second British settlement in the Pacific. Norfolk remained a penal colony (except for a twelve year break when the island was abandoned) until 1855, and the following year it was resettled by islanders from Pitcairn, descendants of the 'Bounty' mutineers. It is from these people that the present population of 850 is descended.
Released on the 29th June, 1978, these two stamps com- memorating the 25th Anniversary of the Coronation were printed by Harrison and Sons Ltd in photogravure.
25c — St. Edward's Crown held aloft. The moment of crowning follows acclamation, anointing and regaling. The Archbishop of Canterbury moves to the altar, and taking the Crown in his hands, recites a prayer. The Crown is then brought to the Coronation Chair by the Dean of Westminster and given to the Archbishop for the crowning. As he places it on the Queen's head the Abbey resounds to the cry 'God Save the Queen', and stepping back he says 'God crown you with a Crown of Glory and Righteousness, that by the ministry of this our benediction, having a right faith and manifold fruit of good works, you may obtain the Crown of an everlasting kingdom by the gift of Him whose kingdom endureth forever.'
70c — Coronation Regalia. This design shows the Regalia used in the Coronation service. St. Edward's Crown is only used on this occasion; being kept with the Golden Orb, the Sceptres, the Jewelled Sword and other items in the Tower of London throughout the remainder of the monarch's reign.
