Local MP Mark Pawsey last weekend joined parishioners of Shilton at St Andrews church in planting yew saplings to commemorate the 800th anniversary of the signing of Magna Carta. The event was part of celebrations taking place across the country through the ancient and veteran yew tree campaign organised by the Conservation Foundation and the Church of England.
Speaking at the tree planting ceremony, Mark said:
“The signing of the charter by King John was a historic moment, as the principles and values laid down by Magna Carta has formed the basis of the United Kingdom’s laws. The yew tree is symbolic to Magna Carta, as a yew tree in Runnymede is believed to have been the location for the original signing of Magna Carta in 1215. This yew tree in Shilton will put down its roots and Magna Carta is the root of our freedoms both here in the United Kingdom and across the world.”
After the event, Mark commented:
“I was delighted to be join local residents in Shilton this weekend to support the ancient and veteran yew tree campaign. It is a great honour to have been given the opportunity to plant one of the saplings and to join in the celebrations to mark the 800th Anniversary of the Magna Carta.”
Mark concluded:
“I was pleased to see local parishioners join us to commemorate the legacy of Magna Carta. It has endured since its signing and enshrines the rule of law and freedom from oppression that we take for granted in Britain. Even 800 years later, the values of Magna Carta continue to be relevant and vital today.”