Surrey County Archaeological Unit (SCAU) are thrilled to announce they will be working with the National Trust to deliver the archaeology aspect of Runnymede Explored, the National Lottery Heritage Funded project. SCAU Community Archaeologist Hannah Potter will be working as the Project Archaeologist for the next 2.5 years, developing opportunities for volunteer and community groups to get involved and enhancing the Trust’s knowledge and understanding of the history and archaeology of the site at Runnymede and Ankerwycke.
It is over 800 years since feudal barons forced King John to seal Magna Carta at Runnymede, on the banks of the Thames, near Windsor. This “Great Charter” established the principle that everyone is subject to the law, even the King. It also guaranteed the rights of individuals, including the right to justice and the right to a fair trial. Magna Carta remains one of the world’s most important and influential documents and Runnymede is widely acknowledged to be the birthplace of modern democracy. On the opposite bank of the river, Ankerwycke is home to the remains of a Benedictine priory and a famous ancient yew tree, said to be 2500 years old.
Now, thanks to funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, through Runnymede Explored, the National Trust are transforming the way people experience this historic place, through improved access to and around the site; inspiring visitors through newly created interpretation and outdoor areas and engaging with the local community at Runnymede and Ankerwycke. Archaeological fieldwork and events will be carried out at the site throughout the project.
Exploring Magna Carta – Free Virtual Talks
Tuesday 15June: 5pm-6:45pm
15 June 2021 marks 806 years since Magna Carta was sealed at Runnymede. As part of the Runnymede Explored project, this evening of two free talks offers an introduction to the Magna Carta and what life was like in Surrey at the time. The first talk will be given by Mike Page, the County Archivist of Surrey and is titled ‘Runnymede, Magna Carta and All That’. The talk will consider the background to the events of 1215 and the subsequent history of Magna Carta and will briefly examine the place where it happened, as reflected in records at Surrey History Centre. The second talk will be given by Rob Poulton, Senior Archaeological Advisor at SCAU, and will focus on the Surrey landscape and society in the 13th century.
To book, please visit:
www.surreycc.gov.uk/heritageevents
Volunteering Opportunities
There will be numerous upcoming volunteering opportunities, including excavations, geophysics, finds processing, sorting museum archives, talking to site visitors, and archive research, throughout the summer. These are open to all, and no previous experience is necessary. If you are interested in any of the listed roles, or would like to get involved with the project in any other ways, please email:
Hannah.potter@nationaltrust.org.uk