European Waterways Celebrates Magna Carta's 800th Aniversary

  • June 12, 2015
European Waterways Celebrates Magna Carta's 800th Aniversary
The boats will assemble on the River Thames and make their way from the village of Hurley to Runnymede. Runnymede is synonymous with the words ‘Magna Carta', as this was the place that King John agreed to have the document sealed 800 years ago.

With 2015 marking the 800th Anniversary of the signing of the Magna Carta, many lucky passengers on board European Waterways' hotel barge the Magna Carta, which cruises the River Thames, are finding themselves in the middle of some of the U.K.'s most exciting commemorative events. Among its varied itinerary, the Magna Carta cruises right past the site of the sealing of the “Great Charter” at Runnymede, a bucolic water-meadow alongside river.

As part of the celebrations on Monday, June 15, a new bronze statue of Queen Elizabeth II will be unveiled at Runnymede, showing the Queen dressed in full ceremonial attire of the Order of the Garter. Some 4,500 are expected to attend, with her Majestic the Queen among the honored guests.

The Magna Carta's itinerary also includes a special excursion to Salisbury Cathedral to see the world's best-preserved original copy of the famous charter that also served as the blueprint for the U.S. Constitution.

“It's an exciting time for our guests on the Magna Carter. They're finding themselves cruising through one of England's most historic sites, as well as participating in some of our most exciting events commemorating ‘The Great Charter,'” said Derek Banks, managing director of European Waterways.

For more information, pricing, cruise schedules, and brochures, visit www.gobarging.com or call toll free 1-877-879-8808.