With the 800th anniversary of the Magna Carta almost upon us, Charles Raspin runs through events and exhibitions across Surrey to help you celebrate the document that secured our liberties as law
On June 15 in the year 1215 a group of barons strong-armed King John of England into signing a document at Runnymede that has formed the basis of almost every one of our modern civil liberties.
This was the Magna Carta.
Perhaps it was intended to do no more than shift power from the king to his nobles, but the ideas it made law ranged from tax regulation to the right to a fair trial, and had powerful implications which are still argued over today.
As we approach the 800th Anniversary of this great document, there's countless opportunities for celebration and education around Surrey and London. The "main event" is undoubtedly the return of the monarchy to Runnymede - albeit under happier circumstances - on June 15 for an official ceremony to commemorate the Magna Carta alongside various international VIPs.
Though closed to the public, the event will be shown on big screens across Runnymede Meadows, which will also have stalls and music for those wanting to make a picnic of this historic occasion. You can also check out LiberTeas for teatime events around the country!
Here's the local events I've got my eye on!
- Page 1 (Results 1-10)
-
1
Guildford Cathedral
Guildford Cathedral will be playing host to an array of events through June and beyond. From June 8 – August 8, a facsimile document and replica seal of the Magna Carta will be on display in the Cathedral treasury, while the Magna Carta Quilters provide a display of eight magnificent quilts telling the story of the document from June 19 – August 8, and a Magna Carta Art Workshop will allow attendees to explore the ideas of liberty and law on June 10, producing works that will be on display in the Cathedral.
The Cathedral Choir will perform a specially-composed Magna Carta Choral Anthem for Evensong on June 14, after a special peal is rung on the church bells in honour of Runnymede, where the document was signed.
There will also be lectures, from experts on the Magna Carta and the principles it founded.
June 8: Prof David Carpenter, Magna Carta: Then and Now
June 18: Lord Neuberger, Constitutional Bible or National Disgrace
June 29: Prof Justin Champion, Significance of the Magna Carta
July 6: Rev Adrian Leak, Freedom: Reality or Dream?
July 21: Rev Robin Griffs-Jones, Magna Carta: Antiquated Icon?
Last and latest - July 25 sees a Magna Carta Family Fun Day come to Guildford Cathedral, with a range of children's craft, exploration and musical activities, plus interactive storytelling sessions with renowned world-historian Christopher Lloyd.
All these events are totally free
-
2
Royal Holloway
Royal Holloway is showing off a variety of beautiful free-to-view displays to commemorate the Magna Carta through June, as part of its Great Charter Festival.
May 25 – June 17: The Magna Carta Women Project is a playful collage from British artist Tracy Satchwill capturing the journey of British women in the 800 years since the Magna Carta, inspired by stained glass windows. Later in the year it'll also be making appearances at Runnymede Museum, Surrey History Centre, and various Surrey libraries.
June 1-19: Magna Carta and the loss of liberties in Victorian art is an exhibition of exceptional paintings exploring Victorian attitudes toward social issues rooted in the Magna Carta, whilst reflecting on today's own human rights issues. There will be trails for both adults and families, and highlight tours on June 4, 12, 13 and 18.
June 12 – 16: A display from the Magna Carta Quilters uses medieval and legacy quilts telling the story of the Magna Carta in the manner of a graphic novel, while the National Association of Flower Arrangement Societies produce the Magna Carta in Flowers, a floral exhibition developing historical themes of peace and justice.
June 14: The Great Charter Festival caps off the occasion, a summer fair with a radical twist. There will be giant puppets, hands-on activities and performances, medieval food and drink for you to sample, and a crafts marketplace and gaming area for you to try your hand. There's also a Family Open Day at the gallery, with a specially-designed children's trail and Art Alive performance.
-
3
Chertsey Hall
A number of musical events take place at Chertsey Hall, as part of the Runnymede Music Festival.
June 7: The Egham Band will explore justice, democracy and freedom with Sealed With Brass, an afternoon of exciting music across a range of musical style, from Sousa's 'Liberty Bell' March to 'Liberty Fanfare' by film composer John Williams.
June 11: Treble Clef choir, Royal Holloway Gospel Choir and Absolute Harmony join forces to produce Voices of Liberty, a choral-and-capella celebration of the Great Charter.
Other concerts in the music festival will take place across Runnymede until July 4.
Additionally, on June 4 Prof Nigel Saul will give a free lecture on the Magna Carta, its achievements and early history. Professor Saul is a noted expert on Magna Carta, and a member of the academic panel on the national Magna Carta 800 committee.
Just down the road, Chertsey Museum is holding a special exhibition until the end of the year. Magna Carta: Freedom Under Law includes loan objects from the National Portrait Gallery, the British Library and the National Trust, together with video interviews with prominent experts.
-
4
Lammas Park
A few riverside events take place at Lammas Park in June.
June 6: The nearby Staines-on-Thames Market will go medieval for the Magna Carta, with local schools creating their own medieval bunting, along with medieval trials, crafts, and stalls.
June 13: Adorned with their commemorative pennants, the River Flotilla sets off in the morning from King's Law in Sunbury-on-Thames, before landing at Lammas Park.
June 13: The Barons' Gathering is a free medieval festival to commemorate the place where many of the Magna Carta barons assembled before heading to Runnymede. Look out for jousting, combat displays, period dancing, falconry, ale tasting, children's activities and much more.
-
5
Church of St Mary the Virgin
Two of the barons who signed their name to the Great Charter were from the Surrey village of Bletchingley, whose St Mary's Church was standing even then, 800 years ago - so on June 13-14, the Church will be hosting a free celebration of the anniversary.
On Saturday there'll be children's medieval workshops, floral displays, and historical exhibits and trails fora glimpse into Bletchingley's past. You'll also be able to climb the Bell Tower for impressive views of the ancient town. The evening's capped off with a concert, including choral and musical performances.
On Sunday it's time for a tea party, with a children's parade themed around Knights & Princesses. The music returns to finish the festivities, with a Songs of Praise service on Sunday evening. You can call 01883 742 799 for more information.
- Page 1 (Results 1-10)
