Magna Carta Monument

Post-war monument commemorating the Magna Carta, 1957, by Edward Maufe.

MATERIALS: Portland stone

DESCRIPTION: the memorial stands at the head of a stone paved access path in the upper section of sloping parkland facing north-east to the River Thames. Towards the top of the path a number of benefactors’ names are inscribed in the pavement slabs.

At the head of the path, transition to the monument is achieved via widening steps on to a semi-circular apron which encircles the front face and provides a base against the slope at the rear for two flanking stone benches.

From the apron a curved ashlar stone wall rises via two sets of steps to provide a level platform forming the base of the monument which is circular in plan and edged with a roll top moulding; it bears the carved inscription THIS MEMORIAL WAS DEDICATED ON 28th JULY 1957

The main body of the memorial is a simplified interpretation of a classical temple standing on eight octagonal pillars with Art Deco-style leaf capitals.

Within the circumference of the pillars, the floor has a star shaped pattern created by using alternate Portland and black slate filets. At the centre of the star stands a two metre high granite cylinder upon which is inscribed an American lone star and the words TO/COMMEMORATE/MAGNA CARTA/SYMBOL OF/FREEDOM/UNDER/LAW.

The saucer like dome has a deep stone soffit and a concave metal roof with a central circular open light. The ceiling of the dome is painted sky blue and inset with gold stars. A carved inscription runs around the circumference of the ceiling: A TRIBUTE TO MAGNA CARTA * SYMBOL OF FREEDOM UNDER LAW * ERECTED BY THE AMERICAN BAR ASSOCIATION *