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 p