London Stones
A Very Historical Stone #1
The London Stone is a chunk of limestone of disputed antiquity. It's possibly more than 3,000 years old, possibly druidic or maybe even Roman. Whichever, you can now see it behind a grille at 111 Cannon Street where it's been unceremoniously placed in the wall of a sports goods shop. It may be that the stone was part of a standing stone from Ludgate Hill, and could even be the stone from which King Arthur pulled his sword. It's believed that this piece of now dirty limestone was first written about in the 10th century, and was referred to on maps as Lonenstane or Londenstane on maps of the time. Later, laws were passed over it, oaths sworn and proclamations made in its vicinity. The poor thing has been moved around a few times, and was apparently "very tall" when it stood in Walbrook in 1598 according to John Stow - it isn't now. Bombed during World Ward 2 it miraculously survived, and there's a nearby pub named after it. There have been reports that the building in which it's situated at the minute is to be pulled down and the stone given a home in the Museum of London - a much more dignified resting place for such a piece of history.
A Very Historical Stone #2
The Stone of Scone is made of sandstone and has been used as the coronation stone for Scottish, English and more recently, British monarchs. It was also known as Lia Fail (or the Speaking Stone) as it was supposed to speak the name of the next king. Unfortunately you'll not see it in London now - it was moved to Edinburgh Castle in 1996 (I only found this is out as I was writing the article...) Before this was it was housed in the coronation chair at Westminster Abbey and will be transferred back to the Abbey for future coronations.
Quirky TravelE-mail: mcnamee.j@googlemailcom