Magna Carta seal

Feb. 25 The Birthplace Of Freedom.: St. John the Baptist Church at Runnymede, near Windsor, the Magna Carta church, built on the exact spot where, on June 12th 1215, King John signed the Magna Carta, stands as an all time memorial to the birth of freedom and democracy. It is a popular visiting place for American tourists, in particular, who, acutely aware of their National creed of Democratic Government, make the pilgrimage to this crucial spot. The Church was built in 1817 on the site of the Norman Church, built in the 12th century. Inside is a copy of the Magna Carta, bearing the seal of England and around it are reproductions of the shields of the 25 Barons chosen to witness the signing and to act as sureties to defend the Act. The common heritage of freedom shared between the British and American people, is symbolised in the church by a silken stars and stripes presented by the Americans in recognition of this inheritance. There exists in the USA a Baronial Order of Magna Carta to which American descendants of the 25 Surety Barons, are entitled members. The vicar of Egham (and the St John the Baptist Church) is always designated on honorary member. The Magna Carta: the gold and silver insignia of the Baronial Order of Magna Carta. U.S.A. which is worn on special occasions in the church by the Vicar is Hon. Chaplain of the Surety Barons

Restrictions Only for United Kingdom

1215 1817 Aware Baptist Baronial Barons Birthplace Carta Chaplain Chosen Creed Crucial Defend Descendants Designated Egham Entitled Exists Honorary Inheritance Magna Particular Pilgrimage Recognition Reproductions Shared Shields Silken Surety Symbolised U.s.a Vicar Witness

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