Today, we delve into a pivotal moment in Scottish history that took place on August 8, 1296. On this day, King Edward I of England removed the Stone of Scone, also known as the Stone of Destiny, from Scone Abbey. This act marked a significant chapter in the intertwined histories of Scotland and England.

The Stone of Scone, pronounced /ˈskuːn/ in English and known as An Lia Fàil in Scottish Gaelic, meaning Stone of Destiny, is an oblong block of red sandstone. Measuring 26 by 16.7 by 10.5 inches and weighing approximately 335 pounds, the stone is an imposing and historic artifact. It features a roughly incised cross on one surface and has iron rings at each end to aid in its transport. Traditionally, Scottish monarchs sat on the Stone of Scone during their coronation ceremonies until the 13th century. In later years, a wooden platform was added to the Coronation Chair to accommodate the stone.

Originally kept at Scone Abbey near Perth, the Stone of Scone was integral to Scottish coronations. However, during the First War of Scottish Independence, King Edward I invaded Scotland and seized the stone. The removal of the Stone of Destiny was more than an act of war; it was a symbolic assertion of English dominance over Scotland. Edward I took the stone to Westminster Abbey, where it was placed in the Coronation Chair, used in the coronation of English and later British monarchs for over 700 years.

The Stone of Scone's origins are shrouded in legend and mystery. One story claims that Fergus, son of Erc, the first King of the Scots in Scotland, brought the stone from Ireland to Argyll, where he was crowned upon it. This tale links the stone to the ancient Lia Fáil, the Stone of Destiny used for the coronation of the High Kings of Ireland at Tara. Another legend suggests that the Stone of Scone is the biblical Stone of Jacob, which Jacob used as a pillow at Bethel. This stone was allegedly transported to Ireland by the prophet Jeremiah. However, geologists have determined that the stone is a type of sandstone quarried near Scone, debunking some of the more fantastical claims about its origins.

Despite its symbolic importance, the authenticity of the Stone of Scone has been questioned over the centuries. Some believe that the monks at Scone Abbey hid the original stone and gave a substitute to Edward I. These doubts persisted, especially after the stone was damaged during a suffragette bombing in 1914 and subsequent repairs in 1950 when Scottish nationalists temporarily stole the stone and returned it to Scotland.

The stone's journey back to Scotland officially began on July 3, 1996, when the British government decided to return it as a gesture of goodwill. The Stone of Scone arrived in Edinburgh Castle on November 30, 1996, St. Andrew's Day, where it was placed alongside the Honours of Scotland. As of March 2024, the Stone of Scone has been on permanent public display in Perth, Scotland, providing a tangible link to Scotland's storied past.

The Stone of Scone's storied history, from its legendary origins to its role in coronations and its return to Scotland, remains a potent symbol of Scottish identity and resilience. It reminds us of the enduring legacy of Scottish sovereignty and the intricate ties between Scotland and England.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bagtown.substack.com