A legendary artifact in Scottish history, the Stone of Scone, its complex origins, and conflicting myths. The stone's journey from Scotland to England and its significance in Scottish kings' inauguration. The daring heist of the Stone of Scone from Westminster Abbey by Scottish nationalists and the aftermath of the theft. Also, a correction about Southeast Asia, South Asia, and inquiry about the Jewish community in Amsterdam.
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Quick takeaways
The Stone of Scoon, also known as the Stone of Destiny, has multiple contradictory mythical origins and has been a symbol of Scotland's fight for independence.
In 1950, a group of individuals attempted to steal the Stone of Scoon from Westminster Abbey, sparking mixed reactions of admiration and condemnation.
Deep dives
Background and Origins of the Stone of Scoon
The Stone of Scoon, also known as the Stone of Destiny, has multiple contradictory mythical origins and has been given various names throughout history. It is believed to have been quarried locally in Scotland and was used for the inauguration of Scotland's kings. There are legends linking the stone to ancient figures like Jacob from the Bible and the daughter of an Egyptian pharaoh. The stone was taken by Edward I of England in 1296 and placed in Westminster Abbey, symbolizing England's dominance over Scotland. Over the years, there have been attempts to steal the stone and campaigns for its return to Scotland. In 1996, the stone was finally returned and is now housed in Edinburgh Castle.
The 1950 Heist of the Stone of Scoon
In 1950, a group of four individuals, Ian Hamilton, Kay Mathison, Gavin Vernon, and Alan Stewart, attempted to remove the Stone of Scoon from Westminster Abbey. Their plan involved hiding inside the Abbey and removing the stone from the coronation chair. Although their first attempts were unsuccessful, they eventually succeeded in taking the stone. However, it broke into two pieces during the theft. They later returned the stone to Scotland, where it remained hidden until its official return to England in 1951. The heist attracted mixed reactions, with some viewing it as a daring act and others condemning it as sacrilegious.
Return and Controversies Surrounding the Stone
In 1996, the Stone of Scoon was officially returned to Scotland following a decision by Queen Elizabeth II and Prime Minister John Major. It was placed in Edinburgh Castle and is currently under the care of historic environment Scotland. Since its return, there have been debates and conspiracy theories surrounding the stone's authenticity and its rightful place. Some have questioned whether the stone returned in 1951 was a replica. Additionally, the question of Scottish independence and calls for self-governance have often been intertwined with discussions about the stone's significance.
Legacy and Preservation
The Stone of Scoon remains an important symbol of Scottish history and identity. It is considered an artifact of Scotland's ancient kingship and has been connected to the country's fight for independence. The stone has been incorporated into the coronation ceremonies of British monarchs and continues to be a subject of public interest. Efforts have been made to preserve and study the stone, including the creation of a high-resolution 3D model to document its markings and features. Plans are also underway to display the stone in a new museum in Perth City Hall.
On Christmas day in 1950, the Stone of Scone was removed, heist-style, from Westminster Abbey. Some believed it to be an act of theft, and others, liberation.
Research:
Aitchison, Nick. “Scotland's Stone of Destiny : myth, history and nationhood.” Stroud : Tempus. 2000.
BBC World Service. “The removal of Scotland's Stone of Destiny - BBC World Service.” Via YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fd_FC2zWlOQ
Brocklehurst, Steven. “The students who stole the Stone of Destiny.” BBC. 3/24/2023. https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-tayside-central-63130942
George, Stephen C. “What Is the Stone of Destiny?” Discover. 6/5/2023. https://www.discovermagazine.com/the-sciences/what-is-the-stone-of-destiny
Glasgow Police Museum. “THE STONE OF DESTINY – 1950.” https://www.policemuseum.org.uk/crime-casebook/interesting-cases/the-stone-of-destiny-1950/
Historic Environment Scotland. “Research shines new light on the Stone of Destiny.” 4/5/2023. https://www.historicenvironment.scot/about-us/news/research-shines-new-light-on-the-stone-of-destiny/
Historic Environment Scotland. “Stone Of Destiny, Edinburgh Castle.” 3D Scan. https://sketchfab.com/3d-models/stone-of-destiny-edinburgh-castle-4d46d1df627d41a2adc65f6550b2fa9c
London staff. “No trace of missing Stone of Destiny.” The Guardian. 12/27/1950. https://www.theguardian.com/century/1950-1959/Story/0,,105149,00.html
McAleer, Brendan. “When four students in two Fords stole the Stone of Destiny.” Hagerty Media. 9/29/2022. https://www.hagerty.com/media/automotive-history/when-four-students-in-two-fords-stole-the-stone-of-destiny/
Rodwell, Warwick. “The Coronation Chair and Stone of Scone : history, archaeology and conservation.” Oxford, Oxbow Books. 2013.