Upon coronation in the medieval era, English Monarchs had a ritual in which their “champion”, a chosen knight, would ride fully armoured into Westminster Hall during the banquet and challenge anyone who opposed the new monarch. Has anyone ever accepted this challenge? Was it purely ceremonial?

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Upon coronation in the medieval era, English Monarchs had a ritual in which their “champion”, a chosen knight, would ride fully armoured into Westminster Hall during the banquet and challenge anyone who opposed the new monarch. Has anyone ever accepted this challenge? Was it purely ceremonial?

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