Coronation Chair & Stone of Destiny: Visitor Guide

Understand the Coronation Chair and Stone of Destiny at Westminster Abbey—their origins, symbolism, and modern display.

12/2/2025

12 min read

Close view of the aged Coronation Chair at Westminster

A throne built to hold a stone—and a kingdom’s story.

Origins

Edward I commissions the chair (c. 1297–1300) to house the captured Stone of Scone.

The Stone

Today

The stone resides in Scotland; loaned back for coronations.
The chair shows centuries of wear; conservation stabilizes but preserves patina.

Bottom Line

Objects that turn ritual into reality.

Auteur

Collections Editor

J’ai conçu ceci pour vous aider à savourer l’Abbaye de Westminster avec calme—timing plus avisé, parcours plus doux et contexte qui fait chanter chapelles et récits.