Runnymede

To the south-west of London, near Windsor, is a lovely little place called Runnymede.

It should be known by all law students, at the minimum, as this field above is where King John was forced to sign the Magna Carta – which is part of NZ’s law today. It is regarded as the first foundation of constitutional law.

A roadside statue as you drive in.

There is a huge irony that there is no English memorial to the Magna Carta, but there are two American ones! This is the JFK one.

My guide, Phil Sage, leading the way. Phil lives nearby and it was his idea to visit Runnymede thinking I would like it. He was right.

And the other US memorial – from the American Bar Association who seem to have a junket over every few uears to add another placque on.

The Air Force memorial for the 20,500 pilots in WWII whose bodies were never recovered as they were shot down over enemy territory.

A log book with the name of all those remembered. The Farrar is no relation to me – just wondered if they had one.

And from the top of the memorial tower, you get a lovely view of Runnymede and surrounding areas. I told Phil that I’d like my memorial to be of similiar location and size 🙂