State use Laying on of hands

the laying on of hands, known royal touch, performed kings in england , france, , believed cure scrofula (also called king s evil @ time), name given number of skin diseases. rite of king s touch began in france robert ii pious, legend later attributed practice clovis merovingian founder of holy roman kingdom, , edward confessor in england. belief continued common throughout middle ages began die out enlightenment. queen anne last british monarch claim possess divine ability, though jacobite pretenders claimed so. french monarchy maintained practice until 19th century. act performed @ large ceremonies, @ easter or other holy days.