The Stone of Destiny is an important symbol of Scottish nationhood, and still plays a central role in all British coronations.

The Stone of Destiny © Historic Scotland

Key facts

View of the top of the Stone of Destiny © Historic Scotland
In medieval times, many scholars believed it had biblical origins. Some thought it was the pillow on which Jacob dreamed of his ladder. Others believed it had been taken out of Egypt by the daughter of a pharaoh.

- It has been used in coronation ceremonies for many years, originally at Scone, near Perth. Lulach – stepson of Macbeth – sat on it when he was proclaimed King of Scots in 1057.

- From then until 1292, it was used at the inaugurations of all Scottish monarchs. Then, in 1296, Edward I of England invaded Scotland and took the Stone from Scone to London.

- Edward installed the Stone in a magnificent golden coronation chair. Since then, all English monarchs and – since the Unions of the Parliaments of Scotland and England in 1707 – all British sovereigns have been enthroned on this seat. (The only exceptions are Edward V and Edward VIII.)

- In 1950, four students removed the Stone from Westminster Abbey in London. It soon turned up at Arbroath Abbey, north-east of Edinburgh. The abbey is famous for the Declaration of Arbroath, a robust statement of Scotland’s independence from England. The stone was returned to Westminster Abbey.

- In 1996, Her Majesty The Queen allowed the stone to be returned to Scotland, after 700 years.

- Its royal role will continue: the ancient stone will be taken to London for all future coronations.