The Coronation Stone
Tale of the Stone of Destiny
The British coronation stone is the subject of legend and superstition. For centuries it was a symbol of sovereignty used in the coronation of Scottish and British monarchs. Many believed that the stone revealed the rightful monarch of a land. What is the history of the Stone of Destiny and why is it still used in British coronations?
History of the Coronation Stone
For centuries the stone of destiny was used in the coronation ceremonies of kings of Scotland. The stone of destiny is also known by the alternative names of the stone of Scone and the coronation stone. The use of the stone was both symbolic of its legendary ties to saints and a part of Scottish tradition. For generations the stone remained at the abbey in Scone, Scotland.
The coronation stone is a rectangular red sandstone that is about 26 inches by 16 inches by 10 ½ inches and weighs about 336 pounds. It is an unusual sandstone that does not resemble any other rock formations in the Scotland or Ireland. The unique physical traits of the stone have inspired many legends.
When Edward I of England defeated a group of Scottish nobles in 1296 during the Scottish Wars of Independence, he took the stone of destiny from Scone as a part of the spoils of victory. He sent the coronation stone to Westminster Abbey and commissioned a new coronation chair, called St. Edward's Chair. The chair was designed to house the stone of destiny in a compartment under the seat. This new coronation chair that contained the stone of destiny became the ceremonial seat for all British monarchs.
Every British monarch from 1308 to the present has sat in the ceremonial chair, complete with the stone of destiny, during his or her coronation. The only exceptions were Queen Mary I and Queen Mary II who were crowned in special chairs provided by the Pope.
Legends and Lore
Many legends surround the stone of destiny. Some say that it was St. Columba's travelling altar. Others claim it was a pillow stone used by Jacob of the Bible. Some Scottish lore claims that the ancient people, Dal Riata Gaels, brought the coronation stone with them from Ireland when they moved to Caledonia. Another tale speaks of the stone as a holy relic from St. Columba who drew his last breath upon it.
Traditionally the stone of destiny was believed to have mystical abilities. One legend claims that the stone will speak when it encounters a worthy monarch but will remain silent in the presence of a false king.
The Stone Returns to Scotland
In 1996, the British government returned the coronation stone to Scotland. Scotland agreed to lend England the stone of destiny for future royal coronations. This agreement demonstrates that after all these years, the coronation stone has become an integral part of both Scottish and British tradition and culture.
Sources:
Costain, Thomas B., The Three Edwards: A History of the Plantagenets, Buccaneer Books 1962
Prestwich, Michael, Edward I, Yale English Monarchs, Yale University Press 1997
British coronation chair with stone
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