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42-405: One of the most vocal proponents of this theory was writer and historian Nigel Tranter , who consistently presented the theory throughout his non-fiction books and historical novels . Other historians have held this view, including James S. Richardson , who was an Inspector of Ancient Monuments in the mid-twentieth century. Richardson produced a monograph on the subject. The Stone of Destiny

84-511: A beacon for mariners. It is known locally as the 'Round O', and from this tradition inhabitants of Arbroath are colloquially known as 'Reid Lichties' (Scots reid = red). Little remains of the claustral buildings of the Abbey except for the impressive gatehouse, which stretches between the south-west corner of the church and a defensive tower on the High Street, and the still complete Abbot's House,

126-401: A 'story' provided an accessible source for many people. As well as his novels, this knowledge was translated into such non-fiction works as The Story of Scotland . Becoming intimate with so much of the historical record, Tranter formed many theories of history, some of which were contrary to established thought. These were presented throughout his books. One example of this is his belief that

168-478: A basic grounding in Scottish history to their readers. As noted above, Tranter had a lifelong interest in Scottish castles. Initially intrigued by their architectural history, Tranter soon developed an interest in Scottish history generally. As he moved into historical novels, his research became deeper until he had amassed vast knowledge of Scotland's history to a very detailed level. His ability to retell history as

210-491: A building of the 13th, 15th and 16th centuries, which is the best preserved of its type in Scotland . In the summer of 2001, a new visitors' centre was opened to the public beside the Abbey's west front. This red sandstone-clad building, with its distinctive 'wave-shaped' organic roof, planted with sedum, houses displays on the history of the Abbey and some of the best surviving stonework and other relics. The upper storey features

252-425: A gentleman has thus deciphered.— 'The sconce (or shadow) of kingdom come, until Sylphs in air carry me again to Bethel.' These plates exhibit the figures of targets for the arms. [...] The curious here, aware of such traditions, and who have viewed these venerable remains of antiquity, agree that Macbeth may, or rather must, have deposited the stone in question at the bottom of his Castle, on the hill of Dunsinane (from

294-532: A high fictional content. Two trilogies followed: the MacGregor Trilogy (1957–1962) and the Master of Gray Trilogy (1961–1965). By this time, Tranter was well established as a writer of serious historical fiction. The fictional content decreased as he became more experienced, and his later novels were almost entirely composed around the historical record. These novels have gained a wide readership while providing

336-526: A number of novels were published during the war years, some inspired by his own experiences. Between 1962 and 1971 Tranter published the landmark series The Fortified House in Scotland (in five volumes). This attempted to cover the history and structure of every primarily domestic castle in Scotland, 663 buildings in all. A small number of non-domestic buildings associated with priories, churches, communal defence etc. etc. were also included. Highly regarded at

378-419: A result, in 1935, at age 25, he published his first book, The Fortalices and Early Mansions of Southern Scotland . Encouraged by his wife, he wrote his first novel, In Our Arms Our Fortune , which was rejected by the publishers. However, Trespass soon followed and was accepted by The Moray Press. Unfortunately, they went bankrupt soon after its publication in 1937, and he didn't receive any payment. Over

420-448: A scale model of the Abbey complex, a computer-generated 'fly-through' reconstruction of the church as it was when complete, and a viewing gallery with excellent views of the ruins. The centre won the 2002 Angus Design Award. An archaeological investigation of the site of the visitors' centre before building started revealed the foundations of the medieval precinct wall, with a gateway, and stonework discarded during manufacture, showing that

462-545: Is most famous for its association with the 1320 Declaration of Scottish Independence believed to have been drafted by Abbot Bernard , who was the Chancellor of Scotland under King Robert I . The Abbey fell into ruin after the Reformation . From 1590 onward, its stones were raided for buildings in the town of Arbroath . This continued until 1815 when steps were taken to preserve the remaining ruins. On Christmas Day 1950,

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504-553: Is this stone which sat in Westminster until 1996, when it was returned to Scotland. According to the Westminster Stone theory, the stone Edward removed was not the real Stone of Destiny, but a substitute. The English army was at the Scottish border in mid-March, 1296, and did not reach Scone until June. With three months to anticipate Edward's arrival, there was ample time and incentive for a switch to be made, in order to protect

546-507: The Stone of Destiny went missing from Westminster Abbey . On 11 April 1951 the stone was found lying on the site of the Abbey's altar. Since 1947, a major historical re-enactment commemorating the Declaration's signing has been held within the roofless remains of the Abbey church. The celebration is run by the local Arbroath Abbey Pageant Society, and tells the story of the events which led up to

588-450: The Abbey independence from its founding abbey, Kelso Abbey , and endowed it generously, including income from 24 parishes, land in every royal burgh and more. The Abbey's monks were allowed to run a market and build a harbour. King John of England gave the Abbey permission to buy and sell goods anywhere in England (except London) toll-free. The Abbey, which was the richest in Scotland ,

630-509: The Abbey's historical pronouncement makes it a prime candidate to achieve World Heritage Status. MSP Alex Johnstone wrote "Clearly, the Declaration of Arbroath is a literary work of outstanding universal significance by any stretch of the imagination" In 2008, the Campaign Group Chairman, Councillor Jim Millar launched a public petition to reinforce the bid explaining "We're simply asking people to, local people especially, to sign up to

672-568: The Scottish Celtic church, until Viking raiding caused them to move to the mainland, first to Dunkeld , Atholl , and then to Scone . Here it continued to be used in coronations, as a symbol of Scottish Kingship. In his attempts to conquer Scotland , Edward I of England invaded in 1296 at the head of an army. Sacking Berwick , beating the Scots at Dunbar , and laying siege to Edinburgh Castle , Edward then proceeded to Scone , intending to take

714-468: The Stone by Gray and the students is explained by Nigel Tranter , who had some claim to knowledge, as the students asked him to act as an intermediary after the removal of the stone. Tranter later stated that Gray inserted a note inside the Westminster Stone, when repairing it, to the effect that it was 'a block of Old Red Sandstone of no value to anyone', although other reports state that Gray never revealed what

756-522: The Stone in the 1930s, and further fuelled speculation by declaring later that he did not know which stone had been sent back to London as "there were so many copies lying around". This scenario receives support from a plaque placed in St Columba's Parish Church in Dundee , which claims to mark the site of the 'Stone of Scone', given to them in 1972 by 'Baillie Robert Gray'. The apparent disrespect shown towards

798-491: The Stone of Destiny, which was kept at Scone Abbey . He had already taken the Scottish regalia from Edinburgh, which included Saint Margaret's Black Rood relic, but to confiscate an object so precious to the Scots, and so symbolic of their independence, would be a final humiliation. He carried it back to Westminster Abbey . By placing it within the throne of England , he had a potent symbol of his claim for overlordship. It

840-735: The True Stone was originally hidden by the Abbot of Scone, and eventually entrusted to the care of Aonghus Óg Mac Domhnaill , by Robert the Bruce . Aonghus Óg hid it in his native Hebrides , where the stone probably remains. One legend records that after the True Stone was given into the keeping of Aonghus Óg, its keepership passed into the branch of the clan who settled in Sleat . A descendant of this line, C. Iain Alasdair MacDonald, wrote to Tranter, claiming he

882-572: The USA. He was also invited to join—or was instrumental in setting up—many committees and community groups, in fields as diverse as Scottish Highlands roads and settlement, wild fowling and Athelstaneford 's Flag Fund. His notable involvements include: the original Scottish Convention , a cross-party pressure group established during the 1940s to encourage devolution (Edinburgh chairman); National Covenant Association ; National Forth Road Bridge Committee ; Saltire Society (honorary president). Following

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924-479: The campaign to have the Declaration of Arbroath and Arbroath Abbey recognised by the United Nations. Essentially we need local people to sign up to this campaign simply because the United Nations demand it." The Abbey was built over some sixty years using local red sandstone, but gives the impression of a single coherent, mainly ' Early English ' architectural design, though the round-arched processional doorway in

966-402: The last book Hope Endures appearing in 2005. According to his daughter these "were all finished at the time of his death, as he always kept ahead in his writing". A number of the books produced by Tranter had dust jackets designed by the illustrator Val Biro . Tranter claimed each of these books took him six weeks to write. He sold them outright for £100 each. They were published under

1008-448: The men being injured, curiosity induced them to clear out the subterranean recess, when they discovered among the ruins a large stone, weighing about 500l [230 kg]. which is pronounced to be of the meteoric or semi-metallic kind. This stone must have lain here during the long series of ages since Macbeth's reign. Besides it were also found two round tablets, of a composition resembling bronze. On one of these two lines are engraved, which

1050-411: The next few years, he wrote several more novels in the same vein: light-hearted romantic adventures in varied settings from modern-day Europe to historical Scotland . Tranter also wrote several westerns under the pseudonym Nye Tredgold to provide additional income for his family, and a dozen children's books -adventure stories aimed at 8- to 10-year-olds. War service did not stop Tranter writing, and

1092-659: The note said. However, in the 1940s, the British Geological Survey, had carried out a survey of the Stone when the Coronation Chair was undergoing conservation work. The fault line had been noticed as well as the many marks and features of the Stone's surface. This allowed verification of the authenticity of the returned item. A scanray examination conducted by the Home Office Police Scientific Development Branch in 1973 confirmed

1134-500: The original relic. Such a substitution could have been instigated by the Abbot of Scone , who stood as custodian. The 'Stone of Destiny' could therefore have been transported to a place of safety, and Edward tricked with a different piece of sandstone. There are many theories regarding the possible resting place of the 'True Stone' since, inspired by logical deduction and, in some cases, fantastical, wishful thinking. Nigel Tranter believed

1176-495: The presence of 'three metal rods and sockets, one being at right angles to the other two'. This also indicated that the repaired Westminster Stone, not a replica, had been returned. Nigel Tranter Nigel Tranter OBE (23 November 1909 – 9 January 2000) was a writer of a wide range of books on history and architecture, both fiction and non-fiction. He was best-known for his popular and well-researched historical novels, covering centuries of Scottish history. Nigel Tranter

1218-505: The pseudonym 'Nye Tredgold'. Arbroath Abbey Arbroath Abbey , in the Scottish town of Arbroath , was founded in 1178 by King William the Lion for a group of Tironensian Benedictine monks from Kelso Abbey . It was consecrated in 1197 with a dedication to the deceased Saint Thomas Becket , whom the king had met at the English court. It was William's only personal foundation — he

1260-486: The publication of The Fortified House in Scotland , Tranter was regularly asked for advice on the restoration of many tower houses and castles. He was closely involved in the restoration of over 60 castles, such as Fa'side Castle and Menstrie Castle . He died on 9 January 2000, aged 90, after contracting flu, in Gullane , where his funeral and burial took place. A final eight novels were published after Tranter's death,

1302-517: The signing. This is not an annual event. However, a special event to mark the signing is held every year on the 6th of April and involves a street procession and short piece of street theatre. In 2005 The Arbroath Abbey campaign was launched. The campaign seeks to gain World Heritage Status for the iconic Angus landmark that was the birthplace of one of Scotland's most significant document, The Declaration of Arbroath. Campaigners believe that

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1344-424: The southern transept , which features Scotland's largest lancet windows , part of the choir and presbytery , the southern half of the nave , parts of the western towers and the western doorway. The church originally had a central tower and (probably) a spire. These would once have been visible from many miles over the surrounding countryside, and no doubt once acted as a sea mark for ships. The soft sandstone of

1386-516: The stone under the Coronation Chair is not the true Stone of Destiny , but a thirteenth-century fake which he refers to as the Westminster Stone . Tranter was involved in many activities outside his writing. From the 1940s onwards he delivered lectures to private groups and organisations, and, as his writing career developed, he undertook many speaking engagements, including some tours to

1428-503: The time, it is still read by those who have an interest in this specialist area. While researching the castles, Tranter realised that there were many characters and incidents in Scottish history which could be used as the basis for novels, which he tried to make as accurate as possible – while making no effort to hide his own strong Scottish identity. The Queen's Grace (1953) was his first novel to focus on an historical character (in this case, Mary, Queen of Scots ), although it contained

1470-413: The trouble of the times), where it has been found by the workmen. This curious stone has been shipped for London for the inspection of the scientific amateur, in order to discover its real quality. The Westminster Stone theory is not accepted by many historians, or those responsible for the care of the Stone. There are many strong arguments against the theory. On Christmas Day 1950, the Westminster Stone

1512-403: The walls was originally protected by plaster internally and render externally. These coatings are long gone and much of the architectural detail is sadly eroded, though detached fragments found in the ruins during consolidation give an impression of the original refined, rather austere, architectural effect. The distinctive round window high in the south transept was originally lit up at night as

1554-399: The western front looks back to late Norman or transitional work. The triforium (open arcade) above the door is unique in Scottish medieval architecture. It is flanked by twin towers decorated with blind arcading. The cruciform church measured 276 feet (84 m) long by 160 feet (49 m) wide. What remains of it today are the sacristy , added by Abbot Paniter in the 15th century,

1596-806: Was born in Glasgow and educated at George Heriot's School in Edinburgh. He trained as an accountant and worked in Scottish National Insurance Company, founded by his uncle. In 1933, he married May Jean Campbell Grieve and had two children, Frances May and Philip. He joined the Royal Artillery and served in East Anglia in the Second World War . From childhood onwards, Tranter took a great interest in castles and their associated history. As

1638-463: Was buried before the high altar of the church in 1214. The last Abbot was Cardinal David Beaton , who in 1522 succeeded his uncle James to become Archbishop of St Andrews . The Abbey is cared for by Historic Environment Scotland and is open to the public throughout the year (entrance charge). The distinctive red sandstone ruins stand at the top of the High Street in Arbroath. King William gave

1680-498: Was now the custodian of the Stone, which was hidden on Skye . On the 19th of November, as the servants belonging to the West Mains of Dunsinane-house, were employed in carrying away stones from the excavation made among the ruins that point out the site of Macbeth's castle here, part of the ground they stood on suddenly gave way, and sank down about six feet, discovering a regularly built vault, about six feet long and four wide. None of

1722-497: Was taken from the abbey by four Scottish students. It remained hidden until April 1951, when a stone was left in Arbroath Abbey . Some speculate that this stone is not the one taken from the Abbey, but merely a copy. The stone left in Arbroath was damaged, for the Westminster Stone had broken in half when removed from the Coronation Chair, but had been repaired by Glasgow stonemason Robert Gray. However, Gray had made replicas of

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1764-513: Was the traditional Coronation Stone of the Kings of Scotland and, before that, the Kings of Dál Riata . Legends associate it with Saint Columba , who might have brought it from Ireland as a portable altar. In AD 574, the Stone was used as a coronation chair when Columba anointed and crowned Aedan as the King of Dál Riata. The Stone of Destiny was kept by the monks of Iona , the traditional headquarters of

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