Pevensey is to participate in the Magna Carta 800 events across the country in 2015, the global event to which the whole world is invited
The anniversary which celebrates 800 years of democracy, with the Queen as Patron, embraces a series of aspirations and activities that will establish a Magna Cart Visitor Centre, call for a new public holiday on June 15, a Magna Carta walkway around Parliament, commemorative stamps, the embedding of Magna Carta in the National Curriculum, the creation of Magna Carta teaching resources for use in schools, work with with journal publishers across the country and exhibitions at the British Library as well as a new drama series on the BBC.
As news and information about the planning of events grows, Bay Life can reveal that Pevensey is to play a part in proceedings.
The Parish, which sent four people to the signing of Magna Carta in 1215, is in a unique position to promote its place in ‘the Great British story’.
Pevensey and the Court House Museum have been invited to be part of the preparations leading to the 800th anniversary celebration of Magna Carta at Runnymede on June 15th, 2015.
The institution will also join the national ‘Magna Carta 800′ trail.
The museum points to the fact that King John granted Pevensey the Royal Charter in 1207 which confirmed the town’s newly acquired membership of the Cinque Ports (as a limb of Hastings).
The four witnesses to the charter were also present at Runnymede eight years later to witness Magna Carta, including Peter des Roches (Bishop of Winchester)’.
On view in the Court House is the oldest surviving seals of the Cinque Ports (Britain’s original naval force) dating from the early 13th century,
One of the plans by local staff at the museum is to include included a King John/Magna Carta exhibition that will be unveiled for 2015.
Talking to Bay Life yesterday (October 9), Peter Harrison, curator of Pevensey Court House, Museum and Gaol said;
‘We are excited about the possibilities that Magna Carta 800 presents, and we will be playing a full part in the celebration’.
