Monmouth School’s A-Level historians had a fantastic opportunity on the 26th September to come to our very own Blake Theatre and listen to the eminent and outspoken Historian Dr David Starkey as he delivered an hour long talk on the truths and myths surrounding the signing of Magna Carta. This was a fascinating talk which Dr Starkey delivered with the same great panache and wit which has become his trademark on such television programmes as ‘Henry VIII – the mind of a Tyrant’ and ‘The Churchills’ and definitely gave fresh insight into the success, or otherwise, of Magna Carta.
For example, did you know that Runnymede was not chosen for its great historical significance and beauty… but instead because it was bog-land and therefore both sides would have found it impossible to fight there?
Did you know that there were two versions of the great document? The final version having been edited down in order to make it less contentious.
6.1 Historians Joe and Alex were lucky enough to meet Dr Starkey after the talk and he kindly allowed them to have a photograph taken with him.
Joe, who is in his first year of A-Level History, said about the talk, ‘It took us through the rise and fall of King John and his multiple Magna Carta. It was an experience that helped me to understand Magna Carta and offered a new insight into the political motivations. It was an enjoyable experience.’
