Runnymede

I had wanted to visit Runnymede for quite some time, but somehow never really got round to it. In mid April 2006 I received some stuff from the National Trust which finally prompted me to plan a visit.

The recent beautiful weather had resulted in rampant growth in the woods, loads of boats were gliding along the Thames, the sun was reasonably high, the clouds puffy and white. Spring had well and truly sprung.

Runnymede was originally only one of three individual 'medes', the others being Long Mede and Yard Mede. The name Runnymede may originate from the Anglo-Saxon 'runieg' (regular meeting) and 'mede' (mead or meadow). The pre-Norman form of government, the Witan Council, was held here during the reign of Alfred the Great, whose castle was in Old Windsor.

John F. Kennedy Memorial

This memorial stands halfway up the Cooper's Hill Slopes and overlooks Runnymede, on ground previously belonging to the Crown and now the property of the United States of America. It is made of Portland stone to the design of G.A. Jellicoe and was unveiled by HM Queen Elizabeth II on 14 May 1965 in the presence of President Kennedy's widow and children.

Visitors reach the memorial by treading a steep path of irregular granite steps, one for each year of Kennedy's life.

The inscription reads: 'This acre of English ground was given to the United States of America by the people of Britain in memory of John F. Kennedy, born 19th May, 1917: President of the United States 1961-63: died by an assassin’s hand 22nd November,1963. "Let every National know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend or oppose any foe, in order to assure the survival and success of liberty": from the inaugural address of President Kennedy, January 1961.'

The National Trust, from whose website I have drawn the above text have unfortunately strayed a little from the facts. JFK was born on 29th May, not the 19th, and the quotation begins, "Let every nation,", not "Let every national". As custodians of the whole area, it is a little sad that they have got this wrong as you only have to look at the Memorial, and all the information is there. The memorial was unveiled in 1965. I think it would be polite, with no disrespect intended, to describe it as 'being of its time'.

You can see, hear or read the inaugural address, by following this link to the excellent website of the JFK Library and Museum.

http://www.jfklibrary.org/Historical+Resources/Archives/Reference+Desk/Speeches/Speeches+of+John+F.+Kennedy.htm

Air Forces Memorial

The National Trust describe this as a sobering yet beautiful memorial to the men and women of the Allied Air Forces who died during World War II. In this they are totally accurate.

To view further images of the Memorial, follow this link

• A vist to the Air Forces Memorial on 29th April 2006

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Magna Carta

Standing at the foot of the Cooper's Hill Slopes is a memorial to the Magna Carta in the form of a domed classical temple containing a pillar of English granite on which is inscribed: 'To commemorate Magna Carta, symbol of Freedom Under Law.' This was built by the American Bar Association on land leased by the Magna Carta Trust. It was paid for by voluntary contributions of some 9,000 American lawyers. The memorial was designed by Sir Edward Maufe R.A. and unveiled on 18 July 1957 at a ceremony attended by American and English lawyers.

Magna Carta (Latin for 'great charter') was sealed by King John at Runnymede in June 1215. Known as the Great Charter of English Liberties, it formed a peace treaty with barons who were in revolt against the King due to his disastrous foreign policy and arbitrary government.

I did not have time to visit the Magna Carta Memorial, but will be certain to visit in Spring 2007.

-- MikeKiely - 01 Dec 2006