The coronation of King Charles III will see history play out in the modern age. From the venue of Westminster Abbey to the coronation oath, the symbolism is steeped in centuries of tradition. One symbol, the “Coronation stone” – also known as the Stone of Scone or Stone of Destiny – has its own particularly contentious history.
Beneath the gilded coronation chair will be an ancient, rectangular slab of sandstone weighing approximately 152kg. The stone is a symbol of medieval Scotland, traditionally used in the inauguration ceremonies of Scottish kings until its capture by King Edward I. Although the stone’s current home is with the Scottish crown jewels at Edinburgh Castle, it was held in London – under the throne at Westminster – from its capture in 1296 until it was returned in 1996.
The event of the coronation has allowed the stone itself to be studied again. A new 3D image created in order to aid in the moving of the stone to Westminster, revealing previously unrecorded markings that tell us more about its origins.
