The Removal of the Stone of Scone on December 25, 1950

On December 25, 1950, a group of four Scottish nationalists executed a daring plan to remove the Stone of Scone, also known as the Stone of Destiny, from Westminster Abbey in London. This event was a significant moment in the history of Scottish nationalism and highlighted the enduring symbolic importance of the stone.

Historical Context

The Stone of Scone has a storied history as a symbol of Scottish kingship. Traditionally, it was used in the coronation ceremonies of Scottish monarchs at Scone Abbey in Perthshire. However, in 1296, during the reign of King Edward I of England, the stone was seized as spoils of war and taken to Westminster Abbey. There, it was incorporated into the English coronation chair, symbolizing the subjugation of Scotland to English rule.

The 1950 Removal

The removal of the Stone of Scone was orchestrated by a group of Scottish students led by Ian Hamilton, a law student at the University of Glasgow. The group included Kay Matheson, Gavin Vernon, and Alan Stuart. Their motivation was to reclaim a symbol of Scottish nationhood and draw attention to the cause of Scottish independence.

On Christmas Day, when the Abbey was closed, the group managed to enter the building and remove the stone. During the operation, the stone was accidentally broken into two pieces, but they successfully transported it back to Scotland, where it was temporarily hidden.

Aftermath and Return

The removal of the Stone of Scone caused a significant stir in both the United Kingdom and Scotland. It was seen as an audacious act of defiance against British authority. The British government launched a large-scale search operation to recover the stone.

In April 1951, the stone was found at the high altar of Arbroath Abbey, a site of historical significance for Scotland, as it was where the Declaration of Arbroath was signed in 1320. The stone was returned to Westminster Abbey in time for the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953.

Broader Significance

The event underscored the enduring tensions between Scotland and England and the symbolic power of historical artifacts in national identity. The Stone of Scone remained in Westminster Abbey until 1996, when it was officially returned to Scotland by the British government as a gesture of goodwill, and it now resides in Edinburgh Castle, with the agreement that it will be temporarily returned to Westminster Abbey for future coronations.

The removal of the Stone of Scone in 1950 remains a poignant reminder of the complex historical relationship between Scotland and England and the powerful role of symbols in the quest for national identity and autonomy.