The Champion of England William I of England, 1937 (colour litho)

Office of 'Champion of England' was established by William the Conqueror in 1066; duty was to ride in armour up Westminster Hall on Coronation Day and defy anyone who disputed the right of the new sovereign to the throne by throwing down his glove as a challenge; since 1377 the office has been an hereditary post in the Dymoke family of Scriveslby, Lincolnshire; last appearance of the Champion was in 1820 at the Coronation Banquet of King George IV and today the current holder of the title carries the Standard of England at coronations; illustration from the series of Churchman cigarette cards produced for the coronation of George VI;