Queen's new state coach celebrates British history

The new Diamond Jubilee state coach celebrates hundreds of years of the nation's history. Credit: PA

The Queen will travel to the state opening of Parliament in a living time capsule - a new state coach celebrating hundreds of years of British history.

Fragments of Henry VIII's warship the Mary Rose, Sir Issac Newton's apple tree and the stone of destiny are just some of the artefacts incorporated into the bodywork of the carriage created by Jim Frecklington.

Jim Frecklington designed the new Diamond Jubilee state coach in his Australian workshop in Sydney. Credit: PA

Mr Frecklington has spent the last decade building the royal carriage in his Australian workshop in Sydney.

Around 400 books of gold leaf were used to decorate the vehicle and the handrails inside the state coach are made from Royal Yacht Britannia timber.

The wooden crown was carved from oak from Lord Nelson's flagship HMS Victory. Credit: PA

The wooden crown covered in gold leaf, which forms the centrepiece of the roof's decorations, was carved from oak from Lord Nelson's flagship HMS Victory.

Many of the historical items are pieces of wood which have been fashioned into small varnished squares used to decorate the interior walls and door panels.

Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh after the state opening of Parliament last year. Credit: PA

The coach will go display at the Royal Mews at Buckingham Palace from Sunday and will be used in future as an educational tool with learning programmes built around it.