This year marks the 800th anniversary of the signing of the Magna Carta, the cornerstone of western democracy, and celebrations are planned across London.
The Magna Carta is often something we learn about in school but give little consideration to once we’re older. In fact it’s the root of the principle of western democracy, the first official document signed by a monarch that placed limits on the power of the crown. The fundamental principle of checks and balances, of the power of the state and independence of governance separate from a monarch are rooted in the Magna Carta.
To celebrate the anniversary events are planned in London and also around Runnymede where the document was signed. At Egham a new exhibition is opening to showcase community projects commemorating the Great Charter. There will be free magna Cart and City walking tours of the City of London. At the Globe Theatre a special performance of Shakespeare’s King John takes place in June. At Royal Windsor race course there will be two days of events including jousting bouts, a medieval encampment, falconry and a medieval feast. There will also be a weekend flotilla.
For those wanting a front seat for the celebration in the summer, Clarendon’s Wraysbury Hall offers the ideal location. Located on the doorstep of the hub for the events and near to Runnymede itself, the Hall offers one, two and three bedroom apartments ideal for singles, couples, families and even those with four legged friends (Wraysbury Hall is one of Clarendon’s “pet friendly” developments). There are good transport links to and from Wraysbury Hall meaning it’s a great base to plan a wider weekend away in London. You can easily travel to Heathrow or Gatwick. The apartments are superbly situated near the M25, M3 and M4 corridor and the mainline train station at Staines provides services to and from London. Wraysbury Hall is located in a gated, secure complex with plenty of car parking facilities, it also benefits from three and half acres of landscape gardens making it an ideal location for long leisurely walks with or without your dog!
During your stay why not venture out and do a little exploring of the towns and hamlets along the River Thames; from Egham to Windsor and Ascot, there are rural leafy surroundings in the neighbourhood that provide a very traditional, picturesque and British setting. The Magna Carta celebrations offer the perfect opportunity to come and explore the British countryside as well as its history. Wraysbury Hall being sited only two and half miles to where the historic document was signed offers the perfect base to be part of the historic events.
Explore magnacarta800th.com to find out the full dates of the events in June.