Stone of Destiny

Two different historical stones are each known as the Stone of Destiny. Despite this, their similar connections to monarchical tradition, and the fact that they both come from Ireland, each possesses a unique formal name:

• The Stone of Scone (the Lia-Fàil was its original name in Gaelic) was formerly the coronation stone of the Monarchs of Scotland. It is traditionally believed to have been brought from Dal Riata in the north of Ireland with the early Scots. Later it was taken to London; it has now been returned to Scotland. The Stone of Scone is a flat square stone, able to be inserted in the base of St. Edward's Chair (the coronation throne) in Westminster Abbey.

• The Lia Fáil is a larger obelisk or monolithic type stone in Ireland. It was thought to be endowed with magical qualities, and was used in the coronation of the Irish Kings.