Tanist Stone

A monolith erected by the Celts at a coronation. We read in the Book of Judges (ix. 6) of Abimelech, that a “pillar was erected in Shechem” when he was made king; and (2 Kings xi. 14) it is said that a pillar was raised when Joash was made king, “as the manner was.” The Lia Fail of Ireland was erected in Icolmkil for the coronation of Fergus Eric. This stone was removed to Scone, and became the coronation chair of Scotland. It was taken to Westminster by Edward I., and is the coronation chair of our sovereigns. (Celtic, Tanist, the heir-apparent.)