'Edward VII Performing his First Act of State, 1901: Signing the Oath for the Security of the Church of Scotland, January 24', 1901. King Edward VII (1841-1910) signing documents just days after he acceded to the throne. The British sovereign is required to take the Oath to preserve the security of the Church of Scotland at his or her accession.This has been done by every sovereign since George l in 1714. From "The Illustrated London News Record of the Glorious Reign of Queen Victoria 1837-1901: The Life and Accession of King Edward VII. and the Life of Queen Alexandra". [London, 1901]