Runnymede Memorial
On a cloudy and rather chilly day in January I was thinking of a way to spend my time while I waited for my car service to be completed. I was at the edge of Egham, a historical town in itself and knowing that Runnymede Memorial and grounds was nearby I ventured out for a leisurely walk.
What is so important or what significance does this place hold you ask? Quite the fascinating history actually.
In this very field more than 800 years prior, on 15th June 1215, King John and his Barons agreed and signed a legal document called the Magna Carta. In this document it proclaimed that no one was above the law even a king. The Magna Carta is attributed to be the building blocks of English law, and the foundation of democracy and human rights. So how could I not want to walk upon the footsteps of those people who helped shape the present.
The walk there was a little muddy as I did choose to cross through the public footpath rather than walking right next to a busy road, but neither some dirt or a light drizzle could deter me from my destination.
My first point of view was the sculpture of twelve chairs, and upon reaching the display I found out that the artist was called Hew Locke and the piece itself called “The Jurors”. Officially unveiled in the presence of the Duke of Cambridge on 15th June 2015, as a special commission to commemorate 800 years since the Magna Carta was signed. I actually recall there being a very special celebration that year. As the river Thames runs right next to the field where you can take walks, a procession of barges opulently decorated sailed past the spectators as if there were arriving by boat for the signing of Magna Carta.
Each chair had its own design and theme, depicting significant social advances be it the invention of a telephone or the reform of Emancipation in 1861, when serfs were granted their freedom in Russia.
I loop around the sculpture and head for the copse of trees that will lead me to more public footpaths and the Magna Carta Memorial. The walk is very short and uncumbersome and rather pleasant. I love that feeling you get when you are in a new place for the first time. It’s a little like exploring.
Crossing a wooden gate there is a paved path that ascends towards the Memorial. A few steps up and you’re at the domed stone gazebo structure. Right in the middle is a cylinder where it states that the monument is to commemorate the Magna Carta, the sybol of freedom. The most spectacular and unexpected was the ceiling. Looking up you are greeted by a night sky with gold stars shining upon you.
Eastern view from the Magna Carta memorial towards the river Thames
The memorial was opened in 1965. The Queen herself was present herself along with Jackie Kennedy and her two children. It was to commemorate freedom itself, not just the Magna Carta. Nearby is a stone with a carved annotation, that the stone is in memoriam to JF Kennedy, with a short extract from his 1961 inauguration speech regarding freedom.
““Let every nation know whether it wishes us well or ill that we shall pay any price bear any burden, meet any hardship support any friend or oppose any foe in order to assure the survival and success of liberty.” ”
Something interesting that I did not know is that Queen Elizabeth has also gifted the piece of land on which the memorial stands. An acre of land. Does that mean if we walk upon that ground, we travel to a different continent? Imagine if the the time had to be adjusted as well. Funny thought but I digress.
I think I should revisit the memorial, as I seem to have missed the etched stone and I’d like to see it for myself. I’ve also not mentioned that up the hill there is also a large Air Force Memorial building. Built specially to commemorate the men and women of the Commonwealth Air Force who fell during WWII. This memorial is not looked after by the National Trust and has it’s own seasonal opening times. More information and up to date opening times can be found here.
There is more to see at Runnymede; there’s the ever changing outdoor sculptures, a walk along the Thames. Sit down for a coffee or tea at the National Trust kiosk and even some ancient ruins. Visit nearby Egham where you can find Egham Museum and many local shops cafes and restaurants for a respite. Parking is free for National Trust members or there is a meter at the location, with more spaces available during the summer season. More information can be found on the National Trust website.
