Fact 207: When was the coronation chair first used?
Fact 207: When was the coronation chair first used?
The coronation chair (with the Destiny stone) was first used for the coronation of Edward II in 1308.
The coronation chair is about 723 years old. it was made of oak and commissioned by Edward I the chair was originally painted by Master Walter and decorated with patterns of birds, foliage and animals on a gilt background however it has faded and been vandalised and has written on it, "P. Abbott slept in this chair 5-6 July 1800".
The Stone of Destiny was thought to be the stone that Jacob rested his head on in the Old Testament (Genesis chapter 28, verse 18) although geologists (people who study rocks) say the stone originated from (unsurprisingly) Scotland from the village of Scone. The rock was used for centuries for the inauguration of Scotland's kings.
In 1296, King Edward I brought the stone of Destiny (Westminster Abbey says he brought the stone to Westminster Abbey) or seized the stone (Edinburgh Castle say he seized the stone) from the Scots in 1296 to place in the coronation chair.
