The Honours of Scotland

Did you know that the crown jewels of Scotland are called The Honours of Scotland? I bet you didn't even know Scotland had a set of crown jewels. More likely, you never even bothered to think about it. Does that make you wonder about all the things you never even bother to think about? Maybe Brazil has crown jewels. Or maybe, Taiwan stole Brazil's crown jewels. See! I bet the thought had NEVER crossed your mind.

Anyway, the Honours of Scotland. The Crown, the Sceptre, and the Sword of State. (Dude. I want a sword of state. Also a sceptre. As long as it's spelled sceptre, not scepter.)

After review, I think I'd be find just having the Sceptre. 

The Crown of Scotland was created in 1540, when James V ordered a goldsmith from Edinburgh to refashion the original crown. Nobody knows exactly what the pre-1540 crown looked like, except for from a picture of James IV.

The Sceptre of Scotland was a gift from the Pope to King James IV. And it has a couple of Catholic symbols on it. 

The Sword of State of Scotland was also from a Pope. The sword was damaged in 1652 when it had to be broken in half to properly conceal it from Oliver Cromwell and his troops. But, don't worry. They fixed it.


All of this random background stuff leads up to something, I PROMISE!

Look at this lovely castle:

This is Dunnottar Castle. When Oliver Cromwell took over as Lord Protector, he started doing some pretty annoying things. One, was order Scotland to destroy all their special regalia. (Aka, the Honours of Scotland.)

So, Scotland hid it in this gorgeous castle. After awhile, Cromwell sent his minions to the castle, so they had to smuggle them out. That was when the sword broke. They hid the Honours in a parish for 11 years, until they were finally found again. 

Edinburgh Castle

But then, The Kingdom of Scotland, and the Kingdom of Engand became The Kingdom of Great Britain,  and the Honours of Scotland were taken away, and locked deep in Edinburgh Castle. And completely forgotten about until Sir Walter Scott dug them out. Then they were put on display, and only hidden away briefly during World War II. They never use the Honours of Scotland in ceremonies anymore. They are to  valuable, and delicate. 

So, There you have it! I bet you didn't know ANY of that. And if you did, you are freakishly smart. Go outside and get some sun. No, really. 

I bet you didn't know that one of Scotland's other prized possessions is The Stone of Scone. 

Not kidding.