The Crooked Coronation Crown Calamity

Henry IV had taken the throne from King Richard II, using a small force to overpower England overnight.

If he can do it, why can’t I?

It started as a silly bet in a tavern. Who had the gall to steal a crown from a King’s head, just as Henry had?

I had brashly volunteered, beer bravely bubbling in my belly.

More fool I.

A peasant like me couldn't get into the cathedral and thus, I required a plan of stealth.

I followed a boastful knight from the tavern one night. He staggered back to his land stupidly before collapsing. I stole his armor and with that, I had my disguise.

The way out was more complex. How to escape the cathedral carrying the crown? That would take more…muscle.

That’s how I found myself desperately sweating behind a cathedral curtain, suit of armor heavy on my shoulders and soon-to-be King but meters away – hopelessly hitting the crown with a mallet.

I honestly expected the metal to be softer!

King Henry was adorned with a crooked crown that day – and I traded my iron armor for a steel cage.

More fool I.