Take an inside look at the historic celebration, which included Queen Elizabeth II, Prince William, David Cameron and more!
800 years ago today, King John sealed the Magna Carta at Runnymede, Surrey, holding him accountable to England’s feudal lords and providing the bedrock document to modern democracy. The National Trust celebrated this momentous anniversary on the same spot King John put quill to parchment, gathering thousands of people, including Queen Elizabeth II, Prince William, and Prime Minister David Cameron, to mark the occasion.
Take an inside look at the ceremony in our gallery below, and plan your own visit to this historic site to celebrate this landmark anniversary this year. Don’t forget: Runnymede is one of hundreds of properties protected by the National Trust, and Royal Oak members enjoy unlimited access to these special places. Join Now
Image by: Professional Images / Simon Jacobs
The Queen unveiled a plaque today to commemorate 800 years of Magna Carta at Runnymede.
Image by: Professional Images / Simon Jacobs
The Duke of Cambridge meets artist Hew Locke, creator of a new permanent artwork at Runnymede. ‘The Jurors’ is formed of 12 bronze chairs, each decorated with images and symbols relating to past and ongoing struggles for freedom, the rule of law and equal rights.
Image by: Professional Images / Simon Jacobs
The Duke of Cambridge takes a closer look at new artwork ‘The Jurors’, unveiled today to commemorate Magna Carta’s 800th anniversary.
Image by: Professional Images / Simon Jacobs
The Queen, the Duke of Edinburgh, Princess Anne and the Prime Minister David Cameron were among the guests at today’s commemoration of Magna Carta
Image by: Professional Images / Simon Jacobs
©National Trust Images/John Millar
Runnymede in Surrey, where King John sealed the Magna Carta in June 1215. The National Trust is proud to care for this place, and it’s a great spot to spend a few minutes reflecting on the historic events of 800 years ago
©National Trust Images/John Millar
The Magna Carta Memorial from across the meadow at Runnymede, Surrey
Courtesy of Lynne Rickabaugh
Royal Oak had a presence at the celebration, recruiting for new members at the international gathering.
Courtesy of Lynne Rickabaugh
Director General of the National Trust, Dame Helen Ghosh, poses in front of Royal Oak’s booth.
