Paper documents Collection Ref: RCIN PS/PSO/GV/PS/MAIN/32977/F
In ArchiveDiagram detailing allocated Positions of Dignitaries attending for the 22nd June 1921 being the day of the Opening of the first Northern Ireland Parliament June 1921
Diagram detailing allocated Positions of Dignitaries attending for the 22nd June 1921 being the day of the Opening of the first Northern Ireland Parliament June 1921
The position of the officials and household taking part in the Ceremonial of the Opening of Parliament Belfast City Hall June 22, 1921
This hand drawn diagram shows the raised platform upon which the King and Queen were Seated during the Opening of Parliament at Belfast City Hall, on June 22, 1921.
The diagram shows the position of the Throne for the King and Queen. It also includes numbered Positions for each of the Officials and Household taking part in the Ceremony.
This indicates both where they were to stand, and, importantly, how they were to approach their final designated place for the Ceremony.
Their direction of travel is indicated by the arrows and hatched lines.
The diagram was prepared by Neville R Wilkinson and signed by him, dated 20th of June 1921.
Neville Wilkinson was appointed Ulster King of Arms in 1908. He was one of the chief heraldic officers in the United Kingdom. His job was to manage Irish Heraldry – mostly the granting, and use, of Coats of Arms.
He was appointed Knight Commander of the Royal Victorian Order after the State Opening of Parliament of Northern Ireland in June 1921.
He would later design the Coat of Arms of the Government of Northern Ireland which was granted a Royal Warrant in 1924 and by a further Royal Warrant, Supporters, in 1925.
A copy of those Warrants may be seen in the Linen Hall Artefacts, elsewhere on this site.
Owned by by Royal Collections Trust Collection Ref: RCIN PS/PSO/GV/PS/MAIN/32977/F. Images Used with Permission Royal Archives / © Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II 2021