Runnymede

Gomshall was a great place to stop overnight. We left there relatively early, sadly knowing this was the last full day in Hilton. 

 

Not far from Gomshall is the delightful medieval village of Shere, once described as the ‘wildest’ in Surrey with sheep stealers, smugglers and poachers finding refuge in the surrounding hills. Shere is also noted for a man being charged for playing cricket on the sabbath - this was 1671 and one of the first ever mentions of cricket. 

We stopped at Newland’s Corner for a few moments to take in the very picturesque view across the valley. 

After this, we drove on Guilford to do a little shopping before continuing on to the Thames at Runnymede - famous for the 1215 signing of Magna Carta. 

Magna Carta forms an important symbol of liberty today, often cited by politicians and campaigners.  It has been described as "the greatest constitutional document of all times – the foundation of the freedom of the individual against the arbitrary authority of the despot". Little did the self-interested barons know that it was the foundation of the protection of all citizens. 

We had lunch in the grassy surrounds of the Runnymede ancient meadow. We took a walk around the site, taking in an interesting art work of Hew Locke called “The Jurors”. This work or art was commemorating the 800th anniversary of the sealing of Magna Carta. 

 The Juror is 12 bronze chairs, each decorated with images and symbols of past and present struggles for freedom. 

After a conversation with an English chap about world politics and cricket,  we went back to Englefield Green to clean and pack up the van ready for the handing over tomorrow. (Sadly)