Magna Carta Monument, Monument in Runnymede, England
The Magna Carta Monument is a circular domed stone memorial at Runnymede, on the banks of the River Thames in England, erected by the American Bar Association in 1957. It sits on raised ground and bears a short inscription about freedom under law, with sky blue lettering and a star symbol on the interior.
Runnymede had been used for important gatherings since the time of Anglo-Saxon kings, long before the events of 1215. In June of that year, rebellious barons pressured King John into sealing the Magna Carta here, a document that placed the power of the king under the rule of law.
The American Bar Association has returned to this monument several times over the decades to renew its commitment to the principles of the Magna Carta. These visits have become a tradition, and small stones set into the ground around the site record the years of each return.
The monument is set on a low hill in an open meadow and can be reached on foot from a nearby car park along a short path through grass. The ground can be uneven and muddy after rain, so sturdy footwear is a good idea.
The monument was designed by Sir Edward Maufe, the same British architect responsible for the Air Forces Memorial also located at Runnymede. Both structures share a restrained design language and stand within a short walk of each other.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
