The story
In June 1215, King John met rebel barons in the meadows at Runnymede and agreed to the terms of Magna Carta, a charter limiting royal power. Although much of it was soon set aside, it became a powerful symbol of liberty and the rule of law around the world.
Today the meadows are cared for by the National Trust. Several memorials stand nearby: the Magna Carta Memorial, built by the American Bar Association in 1957, the John F. Kennedy Memorial, set on an acre of land given to the United States in 1965, and the Commonwealth Air Forces Memorial on Cooper's Hill, which records more than 20,000 airmen and women with no known grave.
What to look for
- The Magna Carta Memorial in the meadows.
- The Kennedy Memorial, reached by a path of granite steps.
- The Jurors, a sculpture of twelve bronze chairs.
- The Air Forces Memorial, with views across the Thames valley.
Combine it with
Windsor, Windsor Great Park, Virginia Water and the Savill Garden are all a short drive away.
Visiting tips
The meadows can be wet, so wear sturdy shoes. The Air Forces Memorial is on the hill above the meadows and is best reached by car. There is a café near the car park.
Getting there
Egham station is the nearest. With Mason & Green, we can combine Runnymede with Windsor and Virginia Water. It is also a short drive from Heathrow.
Frequently asked questions
Was Magna Carta signed at Runnymede?
King John sealed it there in June 1215. The original was sealed rather than signed.
Who looks after Runnymede?
The National Trust.
Is the Air Forces Memorial nearby?
Yes, on Cooper's Hill above the meadows.