The Mysterious History of the Coronation Stone | The Stone of Destiny

Ahead of the coronation of King Charles III, historian Dan Snow explores the fascinating and mysterious history of the Coronation Stone, also known as the Stone of Scone or the Stone of Destiny. The stone is a highly revered symbol of Scottish sovereignty. It is an oblong block of sandstone that weighs approximately 152 kilograms and it has been the subject of controversy and mystery for centuries, witnessing many turbulent events in British history. Although geological analysis has shown the stone used today was quarried in Scotland, various legends trace the stone’s history back to Biblical times. It was later placed outside Scone Palace in Scotland and featured in the coronation ceremonies of Scottish kings and queens for centuries. The stone was captured by the English in 1296 during the Wars of Scottish Independence and was taken to Westminster Abbey in London, where it was placed under the seat of the Coronation Chair. It remained there for over 700 years, except for a brief period during the Second World War when it was moved to a secure location. The theft of the Stone of Scone from Westminster Abbey on Christmas Day 1950 by a group of Scottish nationalists created a sensation. The stone was taken to Scotland and hidden in various locations until it was eventually found on the altar of Arbroath Abbey. The stone was finally returned to Scotland by the British government in 1996. It was then placed in Edinburgh Castle alongside the Scottish Crown Jewels. But in the last few days, with the coronation of King Charles III approaching, the stone has once again made its way down to Westminster Abbey to take part in the ceremony. Discover the past on History Hit with ad-free exclusive podcasts and documentaries released weekly presented by world renowned historians Dan Snow, Suzannah Lipscomb, Lucy Worsley, Mary Beard and more. Watch, listen and read history wherever you are, whenever you want it. Available on all devices: Apple TV, Amazon Firestick, Android TV, Samsung Smart TV, Roku, Xbox, Chromecast, Xfinity, and iOs & Android. Sign up to History Hit now and get 14 days free: We’re offering a special discount to History Hit for our subscribers, get 50% off your first 3 months with code YOUTUBE: