Runnymede facts for kids
Runnymede is a special water-meadow located in Surrey, England. It's about 20 miles (32 km) west of London. This important place is looked after by The National Trust and sits right next to the River Thames. Many people visit Runnymede every year, making it one of England's most popular tourist spots.
Runnymede is famous because King John signed the Magna Carta here in 1215. This was a very important document that changed history. Many years later, memorials were built here. One is for the Allied Air Force members who died in World War II. Another is the British memorial to John F. Kennedy, which was placed here in 1965.
History of Runnymede
The name Runnymede might come from old Anglo-Saxon words. 'Runieg' meant a regular meeting, and 'mede' meant a meadow. So, it was a place in the meadows where people held important meetings. The Witan, which was a Saxon Council, met at Runnymede sometimes during the time of Alfred the Great. These meetings usually happened outdoors. This tradition of meeting in the open air helped shape how England’s parliament was created in the 13th century.
What is the Magna Carta?
The Magna Carta is a very old and important document from 1215. It was an agreement between King John of England and a group of powerful nobles. The King was forced to sign it at Runnymede. This document limited the King's power and protected the rights of his subjects. It was one of the first steps towards modern laws and human rights. It showed that even a king had to follow rules.
The Kennedy Memorial
To reach the Kennedy Memorial, visitors walk up a steep path made of granite steps. There are 50 steps in total, and each one is different. They are meant to feel like a special journey or "pilgrimage." The entire staircase was built from 60,000 hand-cut granite blocks. Geoffrey Jellicoe designed the garden around the memorial. The sculptor Alan Collins created the stone inscription.
The land where the memorial stands was given as a gift to the United States of America by the people of Britain. The Kennedy Memorial Trust takes care of it. This trust also helps British students get scholarships to study at universities in the United States. In 1968, the 7-ton stone of the memorial was damaged during protests against the Vietnam War. The sculptor later repaired it.
Images for kids
-
Map of Runnymede area: north-west is to the top
-
Runnymede water-meadow viewed from south-east of National Trust land
-
Long Mede pasture at Runnymede viewed from north-west of National Trust land
-
Lutyens designed memorial lodge and pier
-
Lutyens designed pier commemorating Magna Carta
-
Western stretch of Langham Pond
-
Commonwealth Air Forces Memorial
-
JFK Memorial designed by Geoffrey Jellicoe
-
ABA tribute to Magna Carta at Runnymede with stone benches installed in 2015
-
Engraved stone recalling the 1985 ABA visit
-
The Republic of India plaque beneath the oak tree planted by former Prime Minister Rao
-
The Jurors art installation in bronze at Runnymede
-
"Writ in Water" art installation
-
Interior of "Writ in Water"
