The Stone of Destiny — Scotland's Most Famous Object
A P4–P7 history resource on the Stone of Destiny (Stone of Scone) — its role in Scottish coronations, its theft by Edward I, its theft back by Scottish students in 1950, and its return in 1996.
Preview
Page count: 2. Print-ready PDF — letter / A4 friendly. Click image to see all pages.
The Stone's story
- 1 What it is A rectangular block of red sandstone (about 66×41×28 cm, 152 kg). Used for centuries in the coronation of Scottish kings at Scone (near Perth). Also called the Stone of Scone or Coronation Stone.
- 2 Edward I steals it (1296) When Edward I invaded Scotland, he removed the Stone to Westminster Abbey in London and incorporated it into a special coronation chair (the Coronation Chair). English monarchs were crowned on it for 700 years.
- 3 Scottish students take it back (1950) On Christmas Day 1950, four Glasgow University students broke into Westminster Abbey and removed the Stone. It was found months later at Arbroath Abbey. They were not prosecuted.
- 4 Return to Scotland (1996) The UK government returned the Stone to Scotland in 1996. It is now on display at Edinburgh Castle alongside the Scottish Crown Jewels (Honours of Scotland).
- 5 Used for coronations The Stone was taken to Westminster Abbey for Charles III's coronation (2023) and returned to Edinburgh Castle afterwards.
- 6 The legend Some believe the Stone kept at Westminster was a fake — that the monks of Scone hid the real Stone before Edward's men arrived. The real Stone may be buried somewhere in Scotland.
Learning objective
Describe the Stone of Destiny and its significance in Scottish history; explain Edward I's theft and the students' recovery; and understand its current location and use.
About this resource
Scotland history books
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For children
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P Prisoner of the Inquisition (Scottish historical fiction) — Theresa Breslin
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S Scotland's national museums — free resources at nms.ac.uk
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