Is There an Actual Sword in the Stone in London?

By Alice Nichols

The legend of King Arthur may have originated in medieval times, but it still captures the imagination of people today.

One of the most enduring elements of this legend is the famous sword in the stone, which can only be pulled out by the true king of England. But is there any truth to this story

The Legend of King Arthur

According to legend, King Arthur was a legendary British leader who defended his kingdom against Saxon invaders in the 5th and 6th centuries. He was said to have been given his famous sword, Excalibur, by a mysterious Lady of the Lake.

The story of the sword in the stone, however, comes from a different tale. In this version, a young Arthur pulls a sword from a stone as part of a test to prove his worthiness as king. This act proves that he is indeed destined to be king and he goes on to unite Britain under his rule.

The Sword in London

While there are many versions of the story, one thing that remains consistent is that the sword was said to be stuck in a stone. So where is this famous stone located

One popular theory is that it can be found in London at St. Dunstan’s Church in Stepney. According to local lore, this church was built on top of an ancient Druidic site and it was here that Merlin placed the sword in the stone.

However, when visitors come to St. Dunstan’s Church today they will find no sign of any such stone or sword.

A Modern Interpretation

While there may not be an actual sword stuck in a stone at St. Dunstan’s Church or anywhere else in London for that matter, there are still ways that visitors can experience this iconic element of Arthurian legend.

One example is at The Crystal Palace, a Victorian-era glass and iron structure that was originally built in 1851 for the Great Exhibition. Today, visitors can see a statue of King Arthur holding his sword aloft in front of the palace.

Conclusion

So, is there an actual sword in the stone in London While there are many legends and theories surrounding this famous element of Arthurian legend, there is no concrete evidence to suggest that it ever existed. However, visitors can still enjoy various interpretations of this iconic story throughout London and beyond.