The mysterious inscription in the Stone of Destiny may have been decoded, as archaeologists share a fresh insight into the rock used to crown King Charles III.
The centuries-old item, also known as the Stone of Scone, has played a role in the crowning of British monarchs since the 13th century. Ahead of King Charles’ coronation in May 2023, a new 3D scan revealed previously unseen subtle markings of the Roman numerals XXXV, or 35, on the stone.
Now, an expert has put forward her theory behind the markings, which she thinks were made as recently as the early 1950s.
Archaeologist at Stirling University, Professor Sally Foster, believes the Stone of Destiny is one of 35 pieces of a large sandstone block.
The other smaller 34 pieces were separated from the ancient artefact after its famous theft from Westminster Abbey in 1950 by four students who intended to return it to Scotland. During the raid, the stone split in two.
Professor Foster theorises that the markings were made by Bertie Gray, the stonemason and nationalist politician who oversaw the secret repair of the stone in 1951.
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