British Returning Scots’ Stone Of Scone

The Stone of Scone, a royal rock that according to legend was stolen by an English king seven centuries ago, is on its way back to Scotland.

The ancient symbol of Scottish and Irish kingship was removed Thursday from Westminster Abbey, where it has been used in coronations since 1308, and placed on an army Land Rover.

It is to be officially handed over to Scotland this morning at the border village of Coldstream. The red-gray sandstone is to go on public display at Edinburgh Castle beginning Dec. 1.

The Stone of Scone (pronounced “skoon”) is the stuff of myths, including one that holds that it was used as a pillow by Jacob when he had his ladder dream, as told in Genesis.

Jacob’s sons supposedly carried the stone to Egypt. From there, it was said to have been taken to Spain and then to Ireland, where it was placed on the sacred hill at Tara.

When Irish kings were seated on it at coronations, it was supposed to groan aloud if the claimant was royal but remain silent if he was a pretender.