After leaving Edinburgh Castle on Thursday evening, the Stone of Destiny has now arrived at Westminster Abbey.
The arrival of the Stone of Destiny yesterday was marked with a service, which was conducted by the Dean of Westminster, the Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle.
The Stone arrived at Westminster Abbey. (Westminster Abbey)
The Dean spoke about the ‘deep friendship and respect’ which unites Scotland and England through the Stone of Destiny.
He added: ‘We meet to pray for Their Majesties King Charles and Queen Camilla, for the Royal Family and for God’s blessing on all those who now work so hard on the preparations for the Coronation.
‘We will pray for the government and people of Scotland and for our sisters and brothers in the churches of Scotland. With nations and with the Commonwealth we look to the Coronation where, in worship and music, we will find a common voice and express a common hope.’
A service was held to mark the arrival of the Stone. (Westminster Abbey)
The Very Reverend Professor David Fergusson, Dean of the Chapel Royal in Scotland and Regius Professor of Divinity, University of Cambridge, said: ‘Scripture recalls us to the bedrock of faith, the stones from which are hewn, the foundations upon which our lives must be built if we are to live well with one another – foundations made by God, our Creator and Sustainer. So as we mark the arrival of the Stone of Scone today, we thank God for our common purpose, for bonds of friendship, and for the rich heritage of faith.’
The Stone of Destiny is a large block of red sandstone, which has long played a part in the crowning of Scottish, English and British Monarchs.
It made its way to England in 1296 during the First Scottish War for Independence. It was taken by Edward I from Scone Abbey and from there, to Westminster Abbey, where the Coronation Chair was made to house the stone.
The Lord Lyon in Westminster Abbey at the Service this evening to mark the arrival of The Stone of Destiny. pic.twitter.com/eMJ97sXgBL
— Lyon Court (@LyonCourt) April 29, 2023
After centuries being kept at the Abbey, in 1996, the block returned to Scotland to be housed at Edinburgh Castle. This was conditional on the stone returning to London for future coronations.
Next year, the stone will be moved to Perth, near to the site of its creation at Scone, to form part of a permanent exhibition.
