The Stone of Destiny is an ancient symbol of Scotland’s monarchy, used for centuries in the inauguration of its kings. Seen as a sacred object, its earliest origins are still unknown. In new research, scientists from Historic Environment Scotland (HES) created a new digital 3D model of the Stone of Destiny and revealed previously unrecorded markings on its surface, which have the appearance of Roman numerals.
Innovative methods revealed new information, including previously unrecorded markings and further evidence of the Stone of Destiny’s provenance. Image credit: Historic Environment Scotland.
In 1296, King Edward I of England seized the Stone of Destiny from the Scots, and had it built into a new throne at Westminster.
From then on, it was used in the coronation ceremonies of the monarchs of England and then Great Britain.
On Christmas Day 1950, four Scottish students removed the stone from Westminster Abbey in London.
Three months later it turned up 805 km (500 miles away) — at the high altar of Arbroath Abbey.
In 1996, the stone was officially returned to Scotland. Today, it is one of the priceless treasures on display in the Crown Room, visited by millions of people each year.
The stone will leave Scotland for the Coronation of King Charles III at Westminster Abbey in May 2023, where it will be placed in the Coronation Chair for the ceremony.
“It’s very exciting to discover new information about an object as unique and important to Scotland’s history as the Stone of Destiny,” said Dr. Ewan Hyslop, head of research and climate change at HES.
“The high level of detail we’ve been able to capture through the digital imaging has enabled us to re-examine the tooling marks on the surface of the Stone, which has helped confirm that the Stone has been roughly worked by more than one stonemason with a number of different tools, as was previously thought.”
“The discovery of previously unrecorded markings is also significant, and while at this point we’re unable to say for certain what their purpose or meaning might be, they offer the exciting opportunity for further areas of study.”
The new examination provided further evidence for the Stone’s origins, while also unearthing more of its post-quarrying history.
X-ray fluorescence analysis was undertaken to determine the elemental composition of the Stone, leading to the discovery of traces of copper alloy on the top surface of the Stone that coincide with a dark stain near its center.
This suggests a bronze or brass object has been in contact with or placed on the Stone at some time in its history.
Microscopic traces of gypsum plaster were also found to be present, infilling pores in the sandstone at various places around the Stone, possibly traces of a plaster cast that was taken some time in the past.
“The scientific analysis we’ve been able to undertake using cutting-edge techniques that weren’t previously available to us have offered some intriguing new clues to the history of the Stone,” Dr. Ewan said.
“We may not have all the answers at this stage, but what we’ve been able to uncover is testament to a variety of uses in the Stone’s long history and contributes to its provenance and authenticity.”
The new 3D digital model of the Stone of Destiny is available to view on Sketchfab.
