Runneymede Memorial

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“One acre of America in England- designed by Geoffrey Jellicoe and finished in 1965.”
work.J
 

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Post: Runneymede Memorials

Runnymede memorials

1953: Air Forces Memorial This sobering yet beautiful memorial to the men and women of the Allied Air Forces who died during World War II was designed by Sir Edward Maufe R.A. and unveiled by HM Queen Elizabeth II on 17 October 1953. An inscription over the entrance to the cloister reads: 'In this cloister are recorded the names of 20,456 airmen who have no known grave. They died for freedom in raid and sortie over the British Isles and the land and seas of northern and western Europe'. This was the first new building to be designated Grade I listed status after the war. It is administered by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. From the top of the tower visitors can see Windsor Castle, Runnymede and breathtaking views of seven counties. 1957: Magna Carta MemorialStanding at the foot of the Cooper's Hill Slopes is a memorial to the Magna Carta in the form of a domed classical temple containing a pillar of English granite on which is inscribed: 'To commemorate Magna Carta, symbol of Freedom Under Law.' This was built by the American Bar Association on land leased by the Magna Carta Trust. It was paid for by voluntary contributions of some 9,000 American lawyers. The memorial was designed by Sir Edward Maufe R.A. and unveiled on 18 July 1957 at a ceremony attended by American and English lawyers. 1965: John F. Kennedy Memorial This memorial stands halfway up the Cooper's Hill Slopes and overlooks Runnymede, on ground previously belonging to the Crown and now the property of the United States of America. It is made of Portland stone to the design of G.A. Jellicoe and was unveiled by HM Queen Elizabeth II on 14 May 1965 in the presence of President Kennedy's widow and children. Visitors reach the memorial by treading a steep path of irregular granite steps, one for each year of Kennedy's life. The inscription reads: 'This acre of English ground was given to the United States of America by the people of Britain in memory of John F. Kennedy, born 29 May, 1917: President of the United States 1961-63: died by an assassin’s hand 22nd November,1963. "Let every National know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend or oppose any foe, in order to assure the survival and success of liberty": from the inaugural address of President Kennedy, January 1961.'



The tree behind the memorial is Quercus coccinea- (Scarlet Oak)- whose leaves turn blood red in November to symbolize the assassination of JFK. 



Basically a path with 46 steps (one for each year of Kennedy’s life), a memorial slab of Limestone, and a tree.

Very moving memorial, simple but contemplative- resolved with good materials on a historic piece of land overlooking the Thames.

 

Check out Link for more information:

http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-vh/w-visits/w-findaplace/w-runnymede/w-runnymede-history/w-runnymede-memorials.htm