The Stone of Scone in the Coronation Chair at Westminster Abbey, 1855

The Stone of Scone, (pronounced 'scoon') also commonly known as the Stone of Destiny or the Coronation Stone is a block of sandstone historically kept at the now-ruined abbey in Scone, Scotland. It was used for centuries in the coronation of the monarchs of Scotland, the monarchs of England, and, more recently, British monarchs.

Traditionally, it is supposed to be the pillow stone said to have been used by the Biblical Jacob. One legend holds that the stone was actually the travelling altar used by St Columba in his missionary activities throughout what is now Scotland. Certainly, since the time of Kenneth Mac Alpin, the first King of Scots, at around 847, Scottish monarchs were seated upon the stone during their coronation ceremony.

In 1296 the Stone was captured by Edward I as spoils of war and taken to Westminster Abbey, where it was fitted into the old wooden chair, known as St. Edward's Chair, on which English sovereigns were crowned. The stone remained in London for seven centuries and remained an integral part of the coronation ceremonies.

After 700 years of captivity, in 1996 it was decided that the Stone should be returned to Scotland when not in use at coronations in England. In 1996 it was transported to Edinburgh Castle. Provision has been made to transport the stone to Westminster Abbey when it is required there for future coronation ceremonies.
 

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