The Stone of Scone, traditional coronation stone of British monarchs, is taken from Westminster Abbey by Scottish nationalist students. It later turns up in Scotland on April 11, 1951.

Stone of Scone

Ancient Scottish coronation artefact

The Stone of Scone is an oblong block of red sandstone that was used in the coronation of Scottish monarchs until the 13th century, and thereafter in the coronation of English and later British monarchs. The Stone measures 26 by 16.7 by 10.5 inches and weighs approximately 335…

Monarchy of the United Kingdom

The monarchy of the United Kingdom, commonly referred to as the British monarchy, is the form of government used by the United Kingdom by which a hereditary monarch reigns as the head of state, with their powers regulated by the British constitution. The term may also refer to…

1950 removal of the Stone of Scone

1950 heist by Scottish nationalists

On 25 December 1950, four Scottish students from the University of Glasgow removed the Stone of Scone from Westminster Abbey in London and took it back to Scotland. The students were members of the Scottish Covenant Association, a group that supported home rule for Scotland. In…

Scottish nationalism

Political ideology

Scottish nationalism promotes the idea that the Scottish people form a cohesive nation and national identity.

April 11

Day of the year

April 11 is the 101st day of the year in the Gregorian calendar; 264 days remain until the end of the year.

December 25

Day of the year

December 25 is the 359th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar; six days remain until the end of the year.