Magna Carta

This weekend we finally got around to visiting the Magna Carta memorial that’s just around the corner at Runnymede. It’s located near the banks of the Thames mid way between Windsor and Staines. Which is no surprise as it was negotiated in 1215 between King John (at Windsor) and disgruntled Barons located at Staines. The water meadow was established as common ground.

Although the actual site where the document was signed is unknown Runnymede itself is named. The memorial donated by the American Bar Association and is reached via a short walk through the meadow. Well – on this Saturday afternoon – its description as a water meadow is well deserved. Fortunately Merrilyn and James both had their wellies (ideal for winter walks) so the walk through the mud was no problem. For me….

There’s not too much to see at the site. Although we did pass a path leading up a hill to the Air Forces Memorial. Apparently there is a viewing platform that provides a good vantage for overlooking Windsor. Better add that to the list.

The afternoon light have the bare trees an orange hue and I thought that the long shadows against the deep green of the fields looked very beautiful. I tried to capture a view of these views in the photos.

We intended to visit the Copper Horse on the way home but James was asleep as soon as we pulled the car on to the road. So intend we made our way home, picked up the stroller, and walked the Long Walk. I had hoped to take a few winter shots of the Castle but the sun was lost in clouds. I have posted a few photos that show the walk and bare chestnut trees.

See them here.