Magna Carta Island facts for kids
Magna Carta Island is a small island in the River Thames in England. It's famous because it might be the place where a very important document called the Magna Carta was agreed upon in 1215. This island is located in Berkshire, near a historic area called Runnymede.
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What is Magna Carta Island?
Magna Carta Island is an ait, which is another word for a small island in a river. It sits in the famous River Thames, which flows through England. The island is found on a part of the river just above the Bell Weir Lock.
Where is Magna Carta Island Located?
This special island is in the county of Berkshire. It faces some grassy areas known as water-meadows, which are part of Runnymede. The island belongs to the local area called Wraysbury. In 1974, the island's official county changed. It moved from Buckinghamshire to Berkshire.
The Story of Magna Carta
Magna Carta Island is a very important historical site. It is one of the places thought to be where the famous Magna Carta was sealed. This happened in the year 1215.
King John and the Charter
The Magna Carta was an agreement between King John and his powerful barons. It was a big step towards limiting the power of kings. The charter itself mentions Runnymede as the meeting place. However, it's possible that Magna Carta Island was considered part of Runnymede back then. This makes the island a strong contender for the actual spot where history was made.
Other Important Meetings
The island was also a meeting place in 1217. This was just two years after the Magna Carta. King Henry III of England met with Louis, who later became King Louis VIII of France, on the island. This shows the island's importance for royal meetings.
Recent History of the Island
In the early 1920s, a stockbroker named J. F. MacGregor owned the island. His wife, Maidie Scott, was a well-known music hall performer. In 2014, it was reported that the island would be sold. This sale was handled by Sotheby's International Realty.
