7 Intriguing Details About the Stone of Scone

At King Charles III’s coronation on May 6, 2023, various symbols of the British monarchy, such as the Crown Jewels, will be prominently showcased. Among these is the Stone of Scone, often referred to as the Stone of Destiny, one of the most ancient and least ornate coronation artifacts. Weighing 336 pounds, this hefty rectangular sandstone block, adorned with iron rings on both ends, measures 26 inches in length, 16 inches in width, and 11 inches in height.

Though the Stone of Scone may seem modest in appearance, its history is both extensive and vibrant, continuing to intrigue to this day.

1. The origins of the Stone of Scone remain shrouded in mystery.

The origins of the Stone of Scone are a subject of speculation. Legend has it that the stone was used as a pillow by the biblical Jacob during his dream of a heavenly ladder. It is said to have traveled to Egypt, Spain, and Ireland, where it might have been part of the coronation rituals of early Irish monarchs. The Celtic Scots eventually brought it to Scotland. However, geologists argue that the stone is composed of sandstone similar to that found near the Scottish village of Scone.

The Stone of Scone first entered recorded history when Kenneth I, the monarch who unified the Scots and Picts, relocated his capital to Scone in the ninth century and transported the stone to Scone Abbey. It played a role in the coronation of Scottish kings until 1296. That year, during the First War of Scottish Independence, England’s Edward I triumphed over the Scots at the Battle of Dunbar and seized the Stone of Scone, taking it to Westminster Abbey in London as a symbol of Scottish sovereignty.

2. By the 14th century, the Stone of Scone had become an integral part of the Coronation Chair.

Between 1300 and 1301, Edward I commissioned the construction of the Coronation Chair for use in royal ceremonies. The Stone of Scone is prominently featured within it, housed in a platform beneath the seat, symbolizing England’s historical dominance over Scotland.

3. Suffragettes targeted the Stone of Scone in a bombing incident.

In 1914, members of the Women’s Social and Political Union (WSPU), a suffragette group, planted a bomb in Westminster Abbey near the Coronation Chair and the Stone of Scone as part of their militant efforts to secure voting rights for women. The blast damaged the chair and is thought to have caused a crack in the stone, though this damage remained unnoticed for several decades.

4. During World War II, the Stone of Scone was concealed for protection.

To safeguard it from potential theft or damage during German air raids in World War II, the Stone of Scone was secretly stored in a burial vault within Westminster Abbey. Only a select few were aware of its hidden location.

5. In the 20th century, the Stone of Scone was famously stolen by students.

On Christmas Eve in 1950, four Scottish university students infiltrated Westminster Abbey and stole the Stone of Scone. During the theft, the stone split into two pieces, likely due to damage it had suffered years earlier from the suffragette bombing.

Once back in Scotland, the students passed the stone to a political group advocating for Scottish self-governance. The group repaired the stone, and four months later, they placed it on the altar of Arbroath Abbey’s ruins. This location held deep significance, as it was where Scottish nobles declared their independence from England in 1320 through the Declaration of Arbroath. Authorities were informed of the stone’s return, and it was sent back to Westminster Abbey. The students faced no charges. This daring theft inspired the 2008 film, Stone of Destiny.

6. In 1996, the Stone of Scone was officially returned to Scotland.

The British government repatriated the Stone of Scone to Scotland in 1996. It is now displayed at Edinburgh Castle alongside Scotland’s crown jewels. However, it was agreed that the stone would be temporarily returned to Westminster Abbey for future coronation ceremonies.

Historic Environment Scotland is responsible for the care and preservation of the Stone of Destiny on behalf of Scotland’s Commissioners for the Safeguarding of the Regalia. In 2020, the Scottish government revealed plans to relocate the Stone of Scone to Perth in 2024 as part of the Perth City Hall renovation project.

7. In 2023, previously unnoticed markings were identified on the Stone of Scone.

Earlier this year, researchers utilizing advanced digital technology uncovered previously unnoticed markings on the Stone of Scone. Historic Environment Scotland initiated an X-ray fluorescence analysis ahead of the coronation, revealing traces of copper alloy on the stone’s surface, hinting at the placement of a brass or bronze object at some point in history. Additionally, markings resembling Roman numerals were detected. The analysis also provided clearer insights into tool marks and details from the 1951 repairs, enabling the creation of a detailed 3D replica of the stone.