Latest News - October 2011 - The Magna Carta 800th anniversary committee have announced that HM The Queen will be Patron and launched their new website (click here to see it)

In June 1215, the sealing of the Magna Carta in Runnymede marked the road to individual freedom, parliamentary democracy and to the supremacy of law.

June 2015 will mark the 800th anniversary of this momentous occasion. Many hundreds of thousands (maybe millions) of pilgrims will come to Runnymede to see this world-renowned location.

To provide a fitting celebration of the centenary and a stimulating and well-delivered experience, Runnymede Borough Council and the Magna Carta Trust have begun feasibility work on a brand new Interpretation Centre. Details are still to be determined but, if constructed, it would not only highlight the events of 1215 but also serve as a lasting legacy through the years ahead.

Together, the Council, the Trust and JDD will complete a Feasibility Study that will identify the characteristics of the expected visitors, understand their needs and work out how the whole visitor experience might be delivered.

Commenting on the appointment, Councillor Derek Cotty said: "We are very pleased to have secured the services of JDD for this important project. Having worked with the Crown Estate on their world-beating visitor centre in Windsor Great Park, we are confident they have the right team to help us with our plans for 2015".

John Sherlock of JDD added: "We are delighted to be working on this project. The UK has earned a strong reputation for staging events of international significance. Peoples all over the world will look to Runnymede in 2015 as a beacon of the principles of freedom set out in Magna Carta 800 years ago. We must show them something remarkable".

More information: Sarah Walsh, Leisure Develepment Manager, Runnymede Borough Council, Tel. 01932 425693 or John Sherlock, Director, JDD Consulting, Tel. 07785 243070