Runnymede
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- ''This article is about the historic water-meadow where Magna Carta was signed; for the district council named after that place, see Runnymede (district).
History
The water-meadow at Runnymede is the most likely location at which, in 1215, King John sealed the Magna Carta, and the charter itself indicates Runnymede by name. It has been disputed whether the ceremony took place actually in the meadow, or on Magna Carta Island, a small (and now private) island in the Thames adjacent to the meadow, or at Ankerwycke, an ancient place adjoining Magna Carta Island on the far bank. Although the latter two locations are now in Berkshire, they may have been considered part of Runnymede at the time.Twenty miles southwest of London, Runnymede Meadow, with adjoining lands totalling 182 acres, was presented to the National Trust by the first Lady Fairhaven and her two sons in memory of Urban Hanlon Broughton in 1929. The memorial to Broughton consists of the kiosks, piers and lodges ('The Fairhaven Lodges') at the Windsor end designed by Edwin Lutyens.
Description
Runnymede is an attractive riverside meadow and adjoining woodland, albeit somewhat disturbed by a rather busy road. Because of its historical connections, Runnymede is the site of several memorials. These are all located amongst the trees of Coopers Hill, which backs the water-meadow:
- Air Forces Memorial, which commemorates the men and women of the Allied Air Forces who died during the Second World War and records the names of the 20,456 airmen who have no known grave. From the top of the tower visitors can see long views over Windsor, the surrounding counties and, somehow appropriately, aircraft taking off and landing at Heathrow. The memorial was designed by Edward Maufe, architect of Guildford Cathedral.
- Magna Carta Memorial, a domed classical temple built by the American Bar Association and containing a pillar of English granite on which is inscribed "To commemorate Magna Carta, symbol of Freedom Under Law".
- John F. Kennedy Memorial, the British memorial to the assassinated President Kennedy. The memorial consists of a Portland Stone memorial tablet inscribed with the famous quote from his Inaugural Address: "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". Visitors reach the memorial by treading a steep path of irregular granite steps, intended to symbolise a pilgrimage. The area of ground that the memorial is situated on was given as a gift to the United States of America by the People of Britain, and as such it is American territory. It is maintained by the Kennedy Memorial Trust, which also sponsors educational scholarships for British students to attend university in the United States. The memorial was jointly dedicated in May, 1965, by Queen Elizabeth II and Jacqueline Kennedy, prior to a reception for the Kennedy Family at Windsor Castle.
Access
Runnymede is owned by the National Trust and is open during daylight hours, seven days a week, at no charge.Location
Runnymede is located on the banks of the River Thames, and on the A308 road in Egham about 4 miles east of Windsor. It is about 19 miles west of the centre of London.Trivia
The last fatal duel in England took place on Priest Hill, which borders with Runnymede, in 1852.External links
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