Magna Carta Embroidery

Runnymede

The Sealing of the Magna Carta: 15 June 1215

Magna Carta Barons

Enforcers of the Magna Carta

Bury St. Edmunds

Shrine of a King Cradle of the Law

Canterbury

Scribing the Magna Carta.

Hereford

Magna Carta Third Writ 1217

City of London

The City of London shall enjoy all its ancient liberties and free customs, both by land and by water.

St. Albans

Pilgrims of St. Albans

India

Clive of India – Battle of Plassey 1757
Independence from Great Britain 1947

Canada

Battle of Quebec in 1759

America

American War of Independence 1776

Australia

The Federation of Australia – 1 January 1901

South Africa

Formation of union of South Africa in 1910

About the Magna Carta Panels

The Magna Carta Embroidery panels were commissioned by Runnymede Borough Council and designed and created by Rhoda Nevins, a member of the Royal School of Needlework.

The panels tell the story of how the Barons persuaded King John to agree to Magna Carta, arguably the most important legal document in our history, laying the foundation for justice and freedom, not only in this country but throughout the world.

Rhoda has designed the panels to depict the events that led up to the sealing of the Magna Carta in Charter Towns throughout the UK. Each Magna Carta Trust town has its own panel, these include Runnymede, Bury St Edmunds, St Albans, the City of London, Canterbury and Hereford.

The five other panels depict how the Magna Carta influenced the spread of law and order throughout the world from 1215 to the present day, with panels for America, Canada, Australia, India and South Africa. An additional panel shows the shields of the 25 barons who were present at the sealing.

There are twelve panels in total and all the panels are A1 size and the backing material is of heavy weight silk with applique and surface embroidery using silk and gold threads.

The panels are a lasting legacy to the country in honour of one of the most important historical events in our history.