Stone of Destiny

Stone of Destiny

Year: 2008

Runtime: 96 mins

Language: English

Director: Charles Martin Smith

CrimeDramaComedy

The film recounts the audacious 1950s theft of the Stone of Destiny, carried out by a charismatic group of idealistic Scottish university students. Their bold action not only succeeded in reclaiming the historic symbol but also sparked a resurgence of Scottish national pride.

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Timeline – Stone of Destiny (2008)

Trace every key event in Stone of Destiny (2008) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Hamilton's nationalist motivations and plan

In 1950, Ian Hamilton is a fervent member of the Scottish Covenant Association who longs for an independent Scotland. He is frustrated by the complacency around the idea of home rule and hopes Scotland will soon decide its own future. After Parliament rejects a petition for Scottish home rule, he resolves to spark national attention with a bold, symbolic act.

1950 Scotland
2

Planning the theft and researching Westminster Abbey

Hamilton and his friend Bill Craig study Westminster Abbey’s floor plans and security to plan the theft of the Stone of Destiny. They map out routes and vulnerabilities, hoping to exploit a moment of distraction. The research stage aims to turn a museum-like building into the backdrop for a nationalist statement.

Pre-theft planning Westminster Abbey, London
3

Craig withdraws over legal risks

Craig quickly realises the legal implications and the risk it would pose to his personal and professional life, and he withdraws from the plan. Hamilton, undeterred, resolves to go ahead on his own. The loss of a partner raises the stakes and complicates what comes next.

Before the theft London
4

MacCormick agrees to help

Hamilton seeks financial support from John MacCormick, a prominent Scottish devolution advocate. MacCormick initially refuses but, after consideration, decides to back the idea financially. His willingness to fund the venture adds credibility and resources to the operation.

Early planning phase Scotland
5

MacCormick directs to Kay Matheson

At a party, MacCormick points Hamilton toward Kay Matheson, a young nationalist with strong opinions who can help. Hamilton begins to see Matheson as a crucial ally in gathering a broader support base. The introduction widens the circle of conspirators.

Shortly after MacCormick's offer Scotland
6

Matheson joins and meets Vernon and Stuart

Matheson meets Hamilton and is introduced to Gavin Vernon, who brings his quiet friend Alan Stuart along as the fourth member. The group discusses roles and logistics for the operation. The team grows more confident about pulling off the audacious theft.

Soon after Matheson's introduction Scotland
7

Departure for London and Christmas Eve plan

On the day of departure for London, Vernon unexpectedly brings Alan Stuart with him, giving the group added manpower. Hamilton initially objects but concedes that Stuart and his car could be useful assets. They agree to attempt the theft on Christmas Eve while London is distracted by the holiday.

Day of departure; Christmas Eve plan United Kingdom
8

Arrival in London and first obstacle

The four arrive in London the day before Christmas Eve and drive to Westminster Abbey that night. Their plan is interrupted when a watchman spots Hamilton and, thinking him disabled or homeless, lets him pass. The near-miss raises the tension and tests their nerve.

Dec 23, 1950, night London, Westminster Abbey vicinity
9

Matheson falls ill and landlady suspicions

Matheson falls ill with a fever and Hamilton takes her to a bed and breakfast to recover. The landlady grows suspicious of the Scots’ accents and behaviour and phones the police. The danger of discovery compounds the group's nerves.

Dec 23-24, 1950 London, Bed & Breakfast
10

The break-in and the stone cracks

That night, Hamilton, Vernon, and Stuart break into Westminster Abbey and steal the Stone of Scone, which cracks in two during the removal. They drive toward the Scottish border with the larger fragment hidden. The act marks a dramatic turning point in the nationalist effort.

Dec 23-24, 1950, night Westminster Abbey, London
11

Hide and abandon larger piece on the border

After the break-in they travel back to the Scottish border and hide the larger piece of the stone in a field. They worry about the stone’s exposure to the elements and potential damage. The border retreat becomes the first test of their improvisational plan.

Dec 24, 1950, early morning Scottish border field
12

Return to Glasgow and realize damage risk

Back in Glasgow, nationalist celebrations erupt over the theft, but the group learns the stone could be permanently damaged if left exposed. They return to the field to retrieve the stone, aided by Romani campers who help locate and recover it. The pieces are kept separate until a safer solution is found.

Dec 24-25, 1950 Glasgow / field near border
13

Reattachment and planned return to Arbroath Abbey

The two fragments are reattached, and the students plan to return the stone to Arbroath Abbey, a site tied to Scotland’s history. Police arrive and arrest the students, though they are never prosecuted. The act becomes a symbolic statement rather than a convicted crime.

Post-retrieval Arbroath Abbey, Scotland
14

Stone's return to London and long-term status

The Stone of Scone is returned to London, where it remained until 1996. It is moved to Edinburgh Castle on loan with the understanding that it would be brought back to Westminster Abbey for the next coronation. The event leaves a lasting impression on both politics and national identity.

1996 London, later Edinburgh Castle

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 11:05

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Stone of Destiny Summary

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Stone of Destiny Summary

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Stone of Destiny

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