The Stone of Scone, also known as the Stone of Destiny or the Coronation Stone, is a legendary artifact that has played a central role in the coronation ceremonies of Scottish and later British monarchs for centuries. This unassuming block of sandstone is steeped in myth, mystery, and political intrigue, making it a powerful symbol of Scottish sovereignty and cultural identity.
Ancient Origins and Biblical Connections
According to Celtic legend, the Stone of Scone was originally the pillow upon which the biblical patriarch Jacob rested his head when he dreamed of a ladder reaching to heaven. As mentioned in the Book of Genesis:
"And Jacob went out from Beer-sheba, and went toward Haran. And he lighted upon a certain place, and tarried there all night, because the sun was set; and he took of the stones of that place, and put them for his pillows, and lay down in that place to sleep." (Genesis 28:10-11, King James Version)
The stone is said to have been brought from the Holy Land to Egypt, Sicily, and Spain before finally arriving in Ireland around 700 BC. There, it was placed on the Hill of Tara, where the ancient kings of Ireland were crowned. The stone was believed to possess magical powers, as Irish legend states that the stone would cry out when a true king sat upon it.
In the 9th century, the stone was brought to Scotland by the Celtic Scots who invaded and occupied the region. It was placed at Scone Abbey in Perthshire, where it served as the coronation seat for Scottish kings, including the legendary Macbeth, immortalized in Shakespeare‘s play. The first recorded use of the Stone of Scone in a Scottish coronation was that of Kenneth MacAlpin, the 36th King of Dalriada, in 847 AD.
The Stone‘s Journey to England
In 1296, during his invasion of Scotland, King Edward I of England seized the Stone of Scone and other Scottish regalia, transporting them to London. This act was a significant blow to Scottish pride and a clear demonstration of English dominance over Scotland. As the Scottish historian Sir Walter Scott wrote in his poem "The Talisman":
"The Scots, a brave and warlike race,
Long held their freedom and their place;
But Edward‘s arms, with conquest crowned,
Bore off their treasures, most renowned:
The Regalia and Stone of Fate,
From Scone to London borne in state."
The stone was fitted into a specially constructed coronation chair at Westminster Abbey, known as King Edward‘s Chair. From that point on, the stone served as a symbol of the unity between Scotland and England, with English monarchs being crowned upon it as kings of both realms. The first English monarch to be crowned on the Stone of Scone was Edward II in 1307.
However, the removal of the stone was a source of great resentment for the Scottish people, who viewed it as a symbol of their lost sovereignty. The stone‘s absence from Scotland lasted for 700 years, during which time it witnessed the coronations of 30 English monarchs.
Mysteries and Controversies
Despite its long and storied history, the authenticity of the Stone of Scone has been the subject of much debate. Some historians believe that the stone taken by Edward I was actually a replica, with the real stone having been hidden by monks at Scone Abbey. This theory gained traction in the 19th century when a Scottish clergyman claimed to have discovered the "real" Stone of Scone built into the walls of Dunsinane Castle.
Geological studies have confirmed that the stone is a type of sandstone quarried near Scone, but the question of whether it is the original stone remains unanswered. In 1996, Scottish geologist Dr. Robert Gould conducted a thorough examination of the stone and concluded that it was "probably genuine," based on its age and the presence of a unique type of quartz found only in the Scone area.
Adding to the stone‘s mystique is the fact that it was briefly hidden during World War II to prevent it from falling into German hands. In 1941, with the threat of a German invasion looming, the decision was made to remove the stone from Westminster Abbey and hide it in a secret location. Only a select few individuals, including the then-Dean of Westminster, Paul de Labilliere, knew of its whereabouts. Contingency plans were made to ensure the stone‘s location could be revealed if those individuals were killed during the war.
The Stone‘s Return to Scotland
In a daring act of Scottish nationalism, four University of Glasgow students – Ian Hamilton, Gavin Vernon, Kay Matheson, and Alan Stuart – stole the Stone of Scone from Westminster Abbey on Christmas Day 1950. The students, who were members of the Scottish Covenant Association, a group campaigning for Scottish home rule, broke into the abbey and removed the stone from beneath the Coronation Chair.
The stone broke into two pieces during the theft, but it was repaired and left at Arbroath Abbey four months later, draped in a Scottish flag. The students were never charged, as Scottish public opinion was strongly in favor of their actions. The stone was returned to Westminster Abbey in April 1951, but the theft had reignited the debate over its rightful place in Scotland.
Finally, in 1996, after 700 years in England, the Stone of Scone was officially returned to Scotland. The decision was made by the British government as a symbolic gesture to recognize Scotland‘s distinct national identity within the United Kingdom. On St Andrew‘s Day, November 30, 1996, the stone was transported to Edinburgh Castle, where it was received by a large crowd of enthusiastic Scots.
The stone is now kept at Edinburgh Castle alongside the Scottish Crown Jewels, known as the Honours of Scotland. Visitors to the castle can view the stone in the Crown Room, where it is displayed alongside other important symbols of Scottish sovereignty, such as the Crown, Sceptre, and Sword of State.
The Stone‘s Role in Modern Coronations
Despite its tumultuous history, the Stone of Scone continues to play a significant role in the coronation ceremonies of British monarchs. In 1953, Queen Elizabeth II was crowned upon the stone at Westminster Abbey, in a ceremony that blended English and Scottish traditions. The stone was temporarily removed from Scotland for the coronation, with the agreement that it would be returned immediately afterward.
Following the death of Queen Elizabeth II in September 2022, it was announced that the Stone of Scone would once again be transported to Westminster Abbey for the coronation of King Charles III in 2024. This decision was met with some controversy in Scotland, with nationalist groups arguing that the stone should remain in Edinburgh. However, the Scottish government agreed to the temporary loan of the stone, recognizing its historical significance and the importance of the coronation ceremony.
As the Stone of Scone makes its journey back to England once more, it serves as a reminder of the complex and intertwined histories of Scotland and England. Its enduring symbolism and the legends surrounding it continue to capture the imaginations of people around the world, cementing its place as one of the most iconic and treasured artifacts in British history.
Monarch | Coronation Date | Location |
---|---|---|
Kenneth MacAlpin | 847 AD | Scone Abbey, Scotland |
Edward II | 1307 | Westminster Abbey |
James VI of Scotland | 1603 | Westminster Abbey |
Charles I | 1626 | Westminster Abbey |
Charles II | 1651 | Scone Palace, Scotland |
Charles II (restored) | 1661 | Westminster Abbey |
James II | 1685 | Westminster Abbey |
William III and Mary II | 1689 | Westminster Abbey |
Anne | 1702 | Westminster Abbey |
George I | 1714 | Westminster Abbey |
George II | 1727 | Westminster Abbey |
George III | 1760 | Westminster Abbey |
George IV | 1821 | Westminster Abbey |
William IV | 1831 | Westminster Abbey |
Victoria | 1838 | Westminster Abbey |
Edward VII | 1902 | Westminster Abbey |
George V | 1911 | Westminster Abbey |
George VI | 1937 | Westminster Abbey |
Elizabeth II | 1953 | Westminster Abbey |
Table 1: British monarchs crowned on the Stone of Scone since its removal from Scotland in 1296.
The Stone of Scone‘s rich history and enduring symbolism make it a fascinating subject for historians and the public alike. As Scotland and England continue to navigate their complex relationship within the United Kingdom, the stone remains a powerful reminder of the shared history and cultural heritage that bind these two nations together.