The Chairs, Runnymede
After Hew Locke
Sit on the 12 chairs
in this meeting meadow.
Rest from walking
but not from reflection.
Imagine a world
without these freedom walkers –
a world enslaved and blind,
gagged and disappeared.
Sit on the 12 chairs
in this meeting meadow,
reflect then rise
and walk with them.
By Robert Seatter
If you enjoyed this poem, take a look at the other Thames Path 30th Anniversary poems.
RUNNYMEDE
On the Isle of Runnymede (which originally meant regular meeting meadow) is the haunting artwork by Hew Locke, created in 2015 on the 800th anniversary of the Magna Carta. Called The Jurors, it consists of 12 empty chairs, each inscribed with symbols of those who fought for human rights across the world.
The Borough of Runnymede, includes the towns of Egham and Chertsey and is famous for its monuments, the most famous being the one to commemorate the Magna Carta. The area is a riverside setting of meadows, grassland and woodland with a network of pleasant paths and pleasure gardens.
Discover history in the countryside at Runnymede.
National Trust, Runnymede & Ankerwycke
The two areas of countryside on opposite sides of the Thames include the spot where the Magna Carta was sealed, the ruins of a 12th-century priory, and an ancient tree with a royal past. They’ve also been home to 16th- and 19th-century mansions, and even a 1930s night club.
Take a 45 minute round boat trip with French Brothers
Board the 'Lucy Fisher', a replica of a Victorian paddle steamer at the Runnymede Boathouse and cruise upstream to the Bells of Ouzeley, which is featured in Jerome K. Jerome's "Three Men in a Boat".