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The Taking of the Stone of Destiny
Ian Robertson Hamilton was an unknown law student at Glasgow University until Christmas Eve 1950. On that night, assisted by Alan Stewart, Gavin Vernon and Kay Matheson, he took the Stone of Destiny from beneath the Coronation Chair in Westminster Abbey and in doing so became a Scottish national hero. In England, however, the act had the opposite effect and a manhunt for the 'vulgar vandals' was started to satisfy the outrage of the English establishment and bring them to justice. In the end, the Stone was given up, but the gang were never charged. This solitary act set Hamilton on a path for the rest of his life from which he has not diverged. Although it is now over sixty years since that fateful night, it is the actual events surrounding the taking of the Stone which hold people spellbound when Hamilton recounts them. In this book, Ian Hamilton has set down the chain of events which led to his decision to go to London, remove the Stone and a minute-by-minute account of the act and the aftermath. For so long the most potent symbol of the authority of the English Crown, the sheer naivety of the act and the casual manner in which it was carried out still take the breath away. But this is not simply a book about a caper which made the news. It is a book about how a nation's conscience was stirred and how a simple symbolic act can change the way people think, act and regard themselves for the rest of their lives.
203 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1952
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
August 20, 2009
This is a wonderful personal account of Ian R. Hamilton's courageous efforts to return the Stone of Destiny to Scotland. Well written and inspiring, the book fleshes out Hamilton's reasons and motivation for potentially risking his freedom to restore the historic symbol of Scottish self-government to its true and rightful place.
The author's passion for his culture is infectious and profound. His description of his co-conspirators, coupled with the series of events leading to the reclaiming of the sacred Stone, keeps one eagerly turning pages. It's an exciting and engaging read.
Hamilton powerfully describes the moment when he actually takes possession of the Stone, suggesting that the the soul of Scotland was in his hands. It's a touching and powerful passage that brought tears to my eyes.
The book, written about a daring incident that took place decades ago, has surfaced because of the recent release of the movie based on Hamilton's story. It includes an update written by Ian R. Hamilton confirming his enduring passion for the cause of Scottish self-determination.
A 'must read' if you have seen the film, or if you have an interest in Celtic history generally and Scottish history in particular. Highly recommended!
The author's passion for his culture is infectious and profound. His description of his co-conspirators, coupled with the series of events leading to the reclaiming of the sacred Stone, keeps one eagerly turning pages. It's an exciting and engaging read.
Hamilton powerfully describes the moment when he actually takes possession of the Stone, suggesting that the the soul of Scotland was in his hands. It's a touching and powerful passage that brought tears to my eyes.
The book, written about a daring incident that took place decades ago, has surfaced because of the recent release of the movie based on Hamilton's story. It includes an update written by Ian R. Hamilton confirming his enduring passion for the cause of Scottish self-determination.
A 'must read' if you have seen the film, or if you have an interest in Celtic history generally and Scottish history in particular. Highly recommended!
May 18, 2018
Occasionally I see a movie that inspires me to read the book it was based on, and such is the case here. I found the movie held very close to the events described in the book, but the written account also gave me added insights from the author. It was also well written, and I found it an enjoyable read. When four college students decide to retrieve the Stone of Destiny which had been stolen from Scotland in 1296 by Edward I and had been used under the seat where English Kings and Queens have been crowned since, it was an act of Scottish pride, nationalism, heroism and brazen illegality! That they succeeded was incredible, and that it was eventually returned to England, is sad. It was stolen by them from Westminster Abbey and whisked off to an English countryside to hide it before bringing it back to Scotland. Everything they did during those nine days was one bungle after another, and yet Fate determined their success in spite of themselves. It's a fascinating account, and one that is hard to read in a way after seeing Scotland ONCE AGAIN vote down their own independence a few years ago. Oh, to see the spirit of William Wallace rise again in their breasts! For a short time, they found pride in what their countrymen (and one woman) had done for them back in 1950. It's an amazing heist! And a wonderful book!
January 20, 2020
A page turner of a tale that I sped through from start to finish in one day. I appreciated both the voice of young Hamilton, brash and idealistic and full of ego. I even more appreciated the voice of older Hamilton, reflecting 40 years later on the words the younger version of himself had written. This older Hamilton was still brash and idealistic, but time had tempered that ego. And he was funny. The post-chapter asides made me think, reflect, and laugh.
I admit, I bought this book after stumbling upon the movie. I am incredibly heartened that the movie stayed true to the actual events, as recollected by Hamilton. I am even more shocked that what I thought was artistic license to add suspense and plot twists to the story had in fact happened.
A great story of an incredible feat that was pulled off with more sheer luck and stubbornness than planning. It's more than that, though. It's a story of a people who, despite centuries of English rule, take pride in their cultural identity and long for recognition, and needed a rallying point.
I admit, I bought this book after stumbling upon the movie. I am incredibly heartened that the movie stayed true to the actual events, as recollected by Hamilton. I am even more shocked that what I thought was artistic license to add suspense and plot twists to the story had in fact happened.
A great story of an incredible feat that was pulled off with more sheer luck and stubbornness than planning. It's more than that, though. It's a story of a people who, despite centuries of English rule, take pride in their cultural identity and long for recognition, and needed a rallying point.
October 27, 2018
Amusing quixotic account of the reclamation of the stone of Scone back to Scotland after hundreds of years misappropriated by English monarchs. An amusing tale of a reckless bunch of students and inept policing to catch them. It turned out to be little more than a temporary gesture but helped to invigorate the home rule movement in Scotland and change perspectives of the union - both in England and Scotland.
September 22, 2008
I think the version I read is actually out of print, but this is probably the same thing. Fun escapade of some Scottish nationalists tired of waiting for action, so they took action themselves. This isn't written in novel format - the facts are simply laid out for the reader. It makes for a nearly unbelievable read and is rather inspiring.
September 15, 2017
Quick, interesting read about the "theft" of the Stone of Destiny from Westminster Abbey in 1950. I kept coming across this book in bookstores while we were in Scotland. Finally picked it up and I'm glad I did. Lots of backstory about the Stone and the Scottish Nationalist movement. All new to me so fun to read.
January 24, 2020
I and four other ladies are planning on a trip to Scotland. My daughter gave me this book to read and pass on. Mr. Hamilton tells the story of how he and three others stole the Stone of Destiny from Westminister Abbey. King Edward took the stone from Scotland to be used for English coronations in 1296. Mr Hamilton had been told by his mother since early childhood the glory of Scotland. Ian Hamilton, quite the patriot, wanted to do something for Scotland. He wrote this book in 1991 almost sixty years after he and the other three, one a woman from away up in the highlands, stole the Stone of Destiny from Westminister Abbey. It was near Christmas, 1950, a cold icy holiday time when the four went to London to scout out the Westminister Abbey and find exactly where the stone was kept and the easiest way to get the stone out of the abbey. This was not an easy task, the reader is taken along on the long, cold road from Scotland to London, do what they needed to do without being caught, to try to hide the stone. The four did not have the best cars to drive as far on a drive with ice and snow. Part of the stone broke off. Kay Matheson drove off with the pice up into the highlands. The other three buried the larger mass in a field and were lucky is was never found.
Then a trip back to release the stone from the field it was captured in. To bring it to Scotland where it belonged. Two others went down to bring the stone home with two of the first to take the stone.
The news was all over about the Coronation Stone being stolen. The young people who had taken the stone were afraid their families would be angry, but no. The families were proud.
The stone was pieced together. The young people had to do without sleep, freezing cold, get whatever meals they could get on these trips. The stone, when found, was returned to the great Abbey of Arbroath.
The stone id on loan at times, or with the Scottish Crown Jewel in Edinburgh Castle. Mr Hamilton is a Scotsman, not English, a fact he is proud of. The adventure was to be for Scotland, to return the Stone of Destiny to here it belongs. What an adventure. These young folks were brave. Several of them are dead. Time passes. Ian Hamilton has not seen some for a long time. He has never returned to see the stone.
Then a trip back to release the stone from the field it was captured in. To bring it to Scotland where it belonged. Two others went down to bring the stone home with two of the first to take the stone.
The news was all over about the Coronation Stone being stolen. The young people who had taken the stone were afraid their families would be angry, but no. The families were proud.
The stone was pieced together. The young people had to do without sleep, freezing cold, get whatever meals they could get on these trips. The stone, when found, was returned to the great Abbey of Arbroath.
The stone id on loan at times, or with the Scottish Crown Jewel in Edinburgh Castle. Mr Hamilton is a Scotsman, not English, a fact he is proud of. The adventure was to be for Scotland, to return the Stone of Destiny to here it belongs. What an adventure. These young folks were brave. Several of them are dead. Time passes. Ian Hamilton has not seen some for a long time. He has never returned to see the stone.
February 15, 2022
"The soul of a nation is in its people's keeping."
This book brought vivid images of Flora MacDonald and Bonnie Prince Charlie, William Wallace and Robert the Bruce, into my head...centuries of Scottish history into living color. It demonstrated that history never dies and has incredible power. Love, love, LOVE this book!
This book brought vivid images of Flora MacDonald and Bonnie Prince Charlie, William Wallace and Robert the Bruce, into my head...centuries of Scottish history into living color. It demonstrated that history never dies and has incredible power. Love, love, LOVE this book!
May 25, 2023
I am giving this book 5 stars not because it's a great, earth shattering, truth revealing tale, But because the author and his friends thumbed their noses at England. And that should always be celebrated.
April 28, 2024
3.4 stars. A quick book worth reading. The lower rating is mostly due to a slightly inconsistent quality of prose. It could also have done with a little more detail in places.
August 20, 2009
This is a wonderful personal account of Ian R. Hamilton's courageous efforts to return the Stone of Destiny to Scotland. Well written and inspiring, the book fleshes out Hamilton's reasons and motivation for potentially risking his freedom to restore the historic symbol of Scottish self-government to its true and rightful place.
The author's passion for his culture is infectious and profound. His description of his co-conspirators, coupled with the series of events leading to the reclaiming of the sacred Stone, keeps one eagerly turning pages. It's an exciting and engaging read.
Hamilton powerfully describes the moment when he actually takes possession of the Stone, suggesting that the the soul of Scotland was in his hands. It's a touching and powerful passage that brought tears to my eyes.
The book, written about a daring incident that took place decades ago, has surfaced because of the recent release of the movie based on Hamilton's story. It includes an update written by Ian R. Hamilton confirming his enduring passion for the cause of Scottish self-determination.
A 'must read' if you have seen the film, or if you have an interest in Celtic history generally and Scottish history in particular. Highly recommended!
The author's passion for his culture is infectious and profound. His description of his co-conspirators, coupled with the series of events leading to the reclaiming of the sacred Stone, keeps one eagerly turning pages. It's an exciting and engaging read.
Hamilton powerfully describes the moment when he actually takes possession of the Stone, suggesting that the the soul of Scotland was in his hands. It's a touching and powerful passage that brought tears to my eyes.
The book, written about a daring incident that took place decades ago, has surfaced because of the recent release of the movie based on Hamilton's story. It includes an update written by Ian R. Hamilton confirming his enduring passion for the cause of Scottish self-determination.
A 'must read' if you have seen the film, or if you have an interest in Celtic history generally and Scottish history in particular. Highly recommended!
August 31, 2011
This is the reprint of Hamilton's original book, first published less than two years after the theft of the Stone. The new edition was released to tie-in with the film adaptation and includes updated additional information on key figures who weren't originally identified. Though the book is not long - just over 200 pages - it feels heavy with nationalistic pride. I don't necessarily agree with all of Hamilton's opinions, but I can't help but have respect for them as he writes so passionately about his actions in liberating the Stone of Destiny and returning it to its rightful home. Beyond the political ideals encased in the text, the true story is as exciting as any novel. It may not appeal to those who harbour no interest in Scottish affairs, but to anyone with a drop of Gaelic blood: read this book!!
September 12, 2019
Just finished Ian Hamilton’s book about his adventure with other accomplices in taking Scotland’s Stone of Destiny from Westminster Abbey in 1950 and returning it to its native land Scotland.
If you aren’t aware of the history, the Stone of Destiny has national significance to Scotland as a sovereign nation. Prior to it being stolen and carried back to England during Edward I’s invasion of 1296, every King of Scotland had been crowned sitting on it. Even though England made a pact to return it to Scotland, they reneged and the place it under the coronation chair in Westminster Abbey as a symbol of England’s dominance and rule of Scotland.
If you like history, I recommend it.
If you aren’t aware of the history, the Stone of Destiny has national significance to Scotland as a sovereign nation. Prior to it being stolen and carried back to England during Edward I’s invasion of 1296, every King of Scotland had been crowned sitting on it. Even though England made a pact to return it to Scotland, they reneged and the place it under the coronation chair in Westminster Abbey as a symbol of England’s dominance and rule of Scotland.
If you like history, I recommend it.
June 22, 2012
This is a very amusing book written by a young man who, with three others, stole the "Stone of Destiny" from beneath the Coronation throne at Westminster Abbey on Christmas Day, 1950. What is the Stone of dEstiny? This is the stone that Scottish Kings used to stand on to be sworn in as king until Edward I (The Confessor) stole it from them and placed it under the throne where he was crowned until George VI in the 1940's. Really great book to see how it was done.
July 2, 2019
The Stone of Scone is one of Scotland's oldest relics, used to crown all of the Scottish kings for 600 years. In the early 1700's it was taken by the English and placed in Westminster Abbey. Hamilton's account is of the stone's retrieval by himself and several college-aged friends, whose desire was to bring the stone back to Scotland. It's quite a tale! Their courage and tenacity is to be applauded.
June 5, 2011
If you are at all interested in British and/or Scottish history, this book is an informative and entertaining read. It's not very long and is really a bit of an adventure story. The movie that was made a few years ago is on instant netflix and is a real hoot and very true to the story. It has a bit of rough language.
Read
July 26, 2012Amazing story and insight into the motives of Ian Hamilton's raid on Westminster Abbey to recover the Stone of Destiny. He is a true patriot who carried out this act for his love of Scotland only and not for any political or other self serving purpose. I think Ian Hamilton's actions speak volumes about who he is, not just in stealing The Stone, but also his actions afterwards.
February 2, 2015
I quite enjoyed this book. There was a fair bit of flagrant patriotism, but coming from a nation who has had a plethora of national treasures stolen by other nations, I can totally understand the motivation behind this caper. And they pulled it off!
Hamilton's writing is pretty good. I like his honesty towards himself and often lyrical descriptions of nature and circumstances.
Hamilton's writing is pretty good. I like his honesty towards himself and often lyrical descriptions of nature and circumstances.
March 27, 2015
I loved, loved, loved this story!! It certainly helped that Hamilton wrote it at the time of the events... His passion was there on every page of this most fantastic adventure!
READ THIS BOOK. READ IT.
READ THIS BOOK. READ IT.
Want to read
July 13, 2009Am curious to read this now that I've seen the movie (a fabulous film, if you can find it here in the US--it's Canadian) starring Charlie Cox and Billy Boyd.
April 27, 2012
I could able to read it quickly. Well written, and about their national aspiration of Scotland.Reasons and works on their travel to bring the Stone back to home. An inspiring book with a character.
June 26, 2013
A quick must read if you're going to Scotland...or watch the movie.
July 11, 2013
Slow moving but interesting enough to entertain along the quest for the fire of freedom symbolized by the Stone of Scotland.
April 9, 2017
Page Turner
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was fast paced and I was hooked from the very beginning. Highly recommended and a real page turner.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was fast paced and I was hooked from the very beginning. Highly recommended and a real page turner.
November 27, 2017
Outstanding!
May 1, 2018
This was recommended by our Ireland travel guide. I knew nothing about the Stone of Destiny until I read this book:)
October 12, 2018
Recommended to me by a seat mate on a train to Oban, I picked up this book at a nearby bookstore. It’s a great story, told by a narrator who is alternately lovable and obnoxious. Fun little read.
December 3, 2022
The New York Times obituary of Ian Hamilton this fall led me to his book. In 1950 four University students (including a woman) stole the Stone of Destiny from Westminster Abbey in London with the intent to return it to Scotland. This stone, a symbol of Scotland, was taken by Edward Longshanks in 1296. Hamilton was the ringleader and a fervent believer of independence for Scotland. The story itself is fascinating and also a historical trip back to post war Scotland and England. Hamilton didn’t live to see Scottish independence but perhaps we will.
January 1, 2021
A delightful novel about A college student that wants to retrieve the stone of destiny from England and bring it back to Scotland. Funny and compelling, and asks the question, "Does the stone belong in England or Scotland." This is a part of history that I had never heard of before.
October 8, 2020
A well-written, fast-paced, and engrossing account of the repatriation of the Stone of Destiny to Scotland. Reads almost like a novel.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews