surrey celebrations
Runnymede is a site that has long been cherished for its associations with ideas of liberty and justice. As early as the 18th century it was sought out by travellers wanting to savour its atmosphere and enjoy its unspoilt beauty. Cooper’s Hill overlooking the site was admired for its magnificent panorama over the meadows and the wider Thames valley beyond. When Runnymede was threatened with development in the 1920s, it was acquired by Cara Broughton, the American-born widow of Lord Fairhaven, and given to the National Trust which owns the site today. American links continued through the American Bar Association Memorial unveiled in 1957 and the John F Kennedy Memorial, dedicated eight years later.
A facsimile of the Magna Carta document is on display in Guildford Cathedral between 8th June and 8th August. The facsimile, along with a replica seal, is on loan from Salisbury Cathedral as part of the worldwide commemorations of the 800th anniversary of Magna Carta and will form the centre piece of a number of Magna Carta themed events at the Cathedral, including concerts, talks and workshops. On Sunday14th June, the
day before the national celebration of the anniversary, a peal called Runnymede Surprise Maximus will be rung on the Cathedral bells and the same day a specially commissioned anthem, which will be sung across the nation during the celebrations, will be performed by the Cathedral choir at Evensong. This year’s Chelsea Flower Show (19th
to 23rd May) features the Runnymede Surrey Magna Carta Anniversary Garden. After the show, this will be permanently installed at the Runnymede-on-Thames Hotel and Spa, one of the garden’s sponsors, where it will be freely available for local residents and the general public to visit. Created by acclaimed designers Patricia Thirion and Janet Honour, the formal layout is evocative of medieval gardens, featuring handmade wattle arches over turf benches, traditional roses and honeysuckle, wattle obelisks and raised beds. The design includes a slice from the fallen branches of the ancient Ankerwycke Yew, which grows close to the site where the Magna Carta was sealed and is said to be around 2,000 years old. Another permanent reminder of the anniversary is the Magna Carta Embroidery,
a project of unique embroidery panels that has been likened to the Bayeux Tapestry. The panels are a pictorial representation of what happened in 1215 and will be a lasting legacy to the nation of important events in both the English charter towns and in some of the countries that have adopted the principles of the Magna Carta throughout the world. One of the panels features the shields of the 25 barons who were present at the sealing of Magna Carta. Each Magna Carta Trust town – including St Edmonds, St Albans, the City of London and Canterbury - has its own panel. A tour around the UK and Commonwealth countries is planned. An action-packed calendar of events, activities and exhibitions will mark this momentous occasion, many with free or low cost entry. For example a thrilling re- enactment of the meeting between King John and 25 of his barons will be held at Runnymede Pleasure Ground on 14th June. Magna Carta Day, an event held annually in Egham, takes place on Saturday 13th June this year. With the extra excitement of street theatre added to the usual food and wine festival, it promises to be bigger and better than ever for the 800th anniversary celebrations.
surrey magazine summer 2015 15
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