Sculpture: Sealing of the Magna Carta - Egham
Erection date: 1994
{On the plaque:}
The sealing of the Magna Carta at Runnymede, 1215 AD
The sealing of the Great Charter of Democracy was preceded by nine days of negotiations between King John and twenty five Barons led by Robert Fitzwalter Lord of Dunmow. This monument symbolising the event was sculptured by David Parfitt.
The incorporated tableau panels were designed and carved by local enthusiasts. This plaque is in recognition of their achievements: Ben Lanham, Linda Francis, John Ashmore, Michael Reeves, Teal Martin, Madge Tayler, Sally Pope, Chris Pluthero, Elaine Jones, Colin Mills, James Ashmore, Julie Thomas.
Is there a verb "to sculpture"? The tableau panels, the "achievements of the local enthusiasts", are on the road-facing side of this monument and are of variable quality. They depict some local scenes including: the river, the Lutyens bridge and Concorde, and usefully, one incorporates the date, 1994.
Site: Sealing of the Magna Carta (2 memorials)
TW20, High Street, Egham
Attached to a boulder to the right of our picture, just behind the grasses, is a plaque reading: "The King John sculpture was commissioned with financial assistance from Procter & Gamble (Health and Beauty Care) Ltd". This boulder also has a recess which must have previously held another plaque, possibly more interesting but we will never know.
The plaque we have transcribed can be seen in our photo behind the passer-by.
