Coronation Stone, Medieval coronation site in Kingston upon Thames, England
The Coronation Stone is a large sarsen stone block resting on a heptagonal granite plinth positioned between pillars topped with spear-like ornaments near Kingston Guildhall. The structure stands as a solid, visible landmark marking an important place in the town's center.
Seven Anglo-Saxon kings including Æthelstan, Eadred, and Æthelred the Unready received their crowns at this location between 925 and 979. This ceremonial site shaped early English monarchy and established Kingston as a center of royal authority.
The stone displays metal inscriptions listing the names of crowned rulers embedded in its granite base, serving as a physical record of early English kingship. Visitors can see these names and understand how different monarchs came here to confirm their authority.
The stone is located at the intersection of High Street and Hogsmill River, protected by blue iron railings, making it straightforward to find in the town center. Visitors can explore the surrounding marketplace and consult local resources to learn more about this historical site.
The stone once served as a horse mounting block before finding its current place at the marketplace in 1850. This practical repurposing shows how historical objects gained different functions across time before becoming recognized monuments.
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