Stone of Scone
- Scottish kings crowned upon the stone for centuries
- Captured by Edward I in 1296 as part of spoils of war
- Brought to England and placed in Coronation Chair in Westminster Abbey
- Attempts to return the stone in 1328 failed when riotous crowds kept it in Westminster Abbey
- Stayed in England, even when Scottish King James VI became King James I of England
- Stolen in 1950 by four Scottish university students and was taken to Glasgow, where it was given to the Church of Scotland for safekeeping
- Eventually returned wrapped in the Scottish flag
- Finally returned to Scotland in 1996, with condition that it be returned to Westminster Abbey for coronation ceremonies
- Serves as a catalyst for Scottish nationalism
- One of many examples of English oppression of Scotland and Scottish ideals
- Many Scots want independence because their five million people have a hard time getting their voice heard compared to the fifty-five million people in England
- Scottish Parliament and other cessions by the British Parliament have led to increased autonomy in Scotland
This really is a great topic. Even though you aren’t doing it anymore, I really like this idea because it’s not the kind of thing I would initially think to write about. Plus, this chair seems like it has a very interesting history. Not only is it’s history interesting, but it’s also very relatable as it involves plenty of nationalism.
Please disregard this outline. I have decided to change my speech to the “We Are” chant. I want to examine its origins and how it is a call to diversity and together in the Penn State community.
Although you said you want to change your topic, I do believe this is a great option as well. This is a civic artifact that not many people will know about. You seem to be very knowledgable and have a lot to offer on this topic. I think it is interesting that this stone serves as a unifying force but also an object that has caused riots and backlash.
This is a very interesting choice of topic. I had honestly never heard of this before, but I find it fascinating the way that the history and travels of the stone spanned over 700-plus years. From the Scottish nationalist perspective, I am curious to see how you will frame the civic in the speech, as it seems that the stone has been a very unifying force.