Stone of Destiny, Which Scottish Kings Had Been Crowned, Returned to Scotland

The Stone of Destiny, the ancient coronation stone on which generations of Scottish kings were crowned at Scone, was returned to Scotland after 700 years. Originally taken by King Edward I of England in 1296 and placed beneath the Coronation Chair in Westminster Abbey, it symbolized English domination over Scotland.

The stone was officially returned on St. Andrew’s Day, 1996, and is now kept at Edinburgh Castle, with the understanding it will return to London for future British coronations.