Monument: Magna Carta monument - Runnymede
Erection date: 28/7/1957
{At the front of the plinth/wall:}
This memorial was dedicated on 28th July 1957.
{On the central pier:}
To commemorate Magna Carta, symbol of freedom under law.
{On an inner frieze, just above the pillars:}
Erected by the American Bar Association - a tribute to Magna Carta – symbol of freedom under law.
{Three of the stone flags in the floor outside the pavilion have been inscribed:}
18 July 1971 – on this day the American Bar Association again came here and pledged adherence to the principles of the great charter.
On 13 July 1985 the American Bar Association returned to this place to renew its pledge of adherence to the principles of the great charter.
15 July 2000 – the American Bar Association returns this day to celebrate Magna Carta – foundation of the rule of law, for ages past and for the new millennium.
{We think they just like visiting London. At this rate they will run out of flags in about a century.}
Site: Magna Carta monument - Runnymede (1 memorial)
TW20, Windsor Road
Interesting that this monument shares some design features with the nearby Air Forces Memorial, from the same decade - the sky blue lettering and the single star symbol.
Being in the flood plain of the River Thames the ground of this meadow is inappropriate for battle and thus both parties in a negotiation would feel safe from attack. Anglo-Saxon kings had held councils here before. See Lady Fairhaven's page for the recent history of these lands.
