Stone of Scone in Castle Crown Room

Category

Library Item

Item no

2003

Title

Stone of Scone in Castle Crown Room

Artist / maker

Unknown

Date

1996

Size

17 x 25.3 cm

Type

Photograph

Location

Edinburgh and Scottish Collection

The 'Stone of Scone' or 'Stone of Destiny' was used for many centuries in the coronation of Scottish monarchs. It was captured from the abbey at Scone by Edward I in 1297 and taken to Westminster Abbey where it was used in the coronation of English, and later British monarchs. The stone was temporarily retrieved by a group of students in 1950, but returned to Westminster when found by police. The Stone was finally bought back to Scotland in 1996, and is held in Edinburgh Castle.

Edinburgh Castle is perhaps the city's most famous landmark. It stands on top of the remaining core of an extinct volcano. Excavations suggest the site was inhabited by Bronze Age man as early as 900 BC, and was fortified by Iron Age man roughly 2000 years ago. The oldest part of the present day Castle is St Margaret's Chapel, built in the early 12th century. The Castle holds the Honours of Scotland and more recently has welcomed back the Stone of Scone otherwise known as the Stone of Destiny.

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Architecture > Architectural features > Stone carvings

Clothing and dress > Accessories > Crowns

Events > Ceremonies > Coronation

People > Adults > Men

Places > Edinburgh Landmarks > Edinburgh Castle

Places > Scotland > Edinburgh