Presenting 5 Mysterious Ancient Artifacts That Will Be Used in the Coronation of King Charles III...
The Stone of Scone, or Stone of Destiny, has been a key element in British royal coronations for centuries. This 335-pound block of red sandstone, once central to Scottish and English royal inaugurations, has a rich history marked by capture, theft, and legend.
Originally kept at Scone Abbey in Scotland, the stone was taken by Edward I during the 1296 English invasion. Since then, it has been used in the coronation of English monarchs, embedded in the Coronation Chair at Westminster Abbey. The stone is adorned with a roughly incised cross and iron rings for transport.
Legends suggest the stone was brought to Scotland by Fergus, the first King of Scots, or link it to Biblical times as Jacob's Pillow Stone. However, geologists confirm it is made of sandstone quarried near Scone. Some believe the authentic stone was hidden by monks during Edward I's invasion.
Despite a 1328 treaty to return the stone to Scotland, it remained in England until 1996, when it was returned to Edinburgh Castle. The stone has faced various threats over the years, including a suffragette bombing in 1914 and fears of Nazi capture during World War II, leading to it being hidden in Westminster Abbey.
A notable event in its history occurred on Christmas Day 1950, when four Scottish students removed the stone from Westminster Abbey, accidentally breaking it into two pieces. After being hidden in a field, it was eventually returned to Westminster Abbey.
Since 1996, the Stone of Scone has been in Scotland, awaiting its role in the next British coronation.
