CHAMPION of the king (campio regis), is an ancient officer, whose office is, at the coronation of our kings, when the king is at dinner, to ride armed cap-a-pee, into Westminster-hall, and by the proclamation of a
herald make a challenge, "That if any man shall de-Champain ny the king's title to the crown, he is there ready to defend it in single combat, &c." which being done, the king drinks to him, and sends him a gilt cup with a cover full of wine, which the champion drinks, and hath the cup for his fee. This office at the coronation of King Richard II. when Baldwin Freville exhibited his petition for it, was adjudged from him to his competitor Sir John Dymocke (both claiming from Marmion), and hath continued ever since in the family of the Dymockes; who hold the manor of Sinvelly in Lincolnshire, hereditary from the Marmions by grand serjeantry, viz. that the lord thereof shall be the king's champion as aforesaid. Accordingly Sir Edward Dymocke performed this office at the coronation of King Charles II.; a person of the name of Dymocke performed at the coronation of his present majesty George III.