Magna Carta pilgrimage

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The Jurors is a permanent piece of artwork that was commissioned to mark the 800th anniversary of the sealing of the Magna Carta at Runnymeade field in Surrey. When the piece was unveiled in 2015, the Queen, the Prince of Wales and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, along with hundreds of dignitaries were in attendance.

The 12 intricately carved bronze chairs feature panels with images and symbols of past and current struggles for freedom. The interactive art installation by world-renowned British-Guyanese artist, Hew Locke, encourages viewers to sit on the chairs themselves as ‘jurors’; a reference to Clause 39 of Magna Carta that states no man can be imprisoned “except by the lawful judgment of his equals or by the law of the land”.


Locke chose 24 moments in history to depict complex and difficult issues of injustice that still affect us today — freedom of speech, gay rights, race equality, refugees and rights of women to name a few. Symbols include references to:
— individuals — Mahatma Gandhi’s hand-spinning wheel (resistance against British imported goods) and Nelson Mandela’s cell (representing prisoners locked up for their beliefs)
— groups — boat with refugees (includes names of vessels connected to legal cases) and many portraits of ‘The Disappeared’ (representing those who have been taken away by state or political organization)
— words — Clause 39 in Latin and the Golden Rule in 14 languages (treat others the way you would like to be treated)
Additional details on each of the chair panels can be found here.

The individual rights and freedoms highlighted in the Magna Carta inspired key documents, including the United States Constitution (1791) and the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948) among others. While it is believed that the field itself has not changed much since 1215, only three of the 63 clauses are still law today.

Regardless, perhaps now more than ever — a pilgrimage to Runnymeade is a poignant reminder of the impact Magna Carta had and continues to have.
Windsor Road, near Old Windsor, Surrey, SL4 2JL


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England’s best vineyard experience

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High Clandon Estate Vineyard

It is hard to think of a better day out than visiting High Clandon Estate Vineyard in the Surrey Hills.  The award-winning boutique vineyard produces sparkling English wines from a trio of champagne grapes that mature at least five years.


The charming couple from South Africa, Sibylla and Bruce Tindale, is knowledgeable and passionate about wine and openly welcome guests to enjoy the wonders of their wildflower meadow, truffle orchard and glass barn. It is no wonder the International Wine Challenge and VisitEngland named High Clandon ‘England’s best vineyard experience’.

This year’s 'Art in the Vineyard' event takes place July 19th until August 2nd (11 am - 4 pm daily) and features artwork by 150 Surrey artists and the launch of their Endymion Cuvée 2015 vintage. A voluntary donation of £5 per person is requested and a percentage of every purchase of art or wine supports a children’s charity, Cherry Trees.

With plenty of fresh, wide open spaces and beautiful views, it is a perfect place to come out of covid hibernation. Cheers to summer in the vineyard!
www.highclandon.co.uk ✆ +44 1483 225660
East Clandon, Surrey, GU47RP

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