June 15th is the 800th anniversary of the signing of Magna Carta at Runnymede. This was a momentous event in English history that has resonated around the world and has interesting links to Poole. William Longespee, King John’s half brother and 14th century Baron, was also the Lord of the Manor of Canford. He granted a charter to the people of Poole. His place in the Magna Carta negotiations are marked in the streets around Bearwood Primary School (very close to the original Manor of Canford). Here you will find King John Avenue, Knights Road and Runnymede Avenue.
Children from Bearwood Primary School are celebrating this historical event over the course of a whole week. Starting on 8th June pupils will be finding out about Magna Carta, the development of democracy and the medieval period. All learning over the course of the week will be connected to Magna Carta in some way from medieval maths to hearing talks from solicitors. Children from Bearwood will also travel to Salisbury to see the stunning Magna Carta exhibition in advance of their performance at the cathedral next month.
The week will lead up to the school fair on June 13th from 12pm-4pm which will be opened by AFCB legend Steve Fletcher and the record breaking Poole’s Town Crier. Here the children will showcase their learning in a history tent. There will also be medieval dancing shows, a medieval knight display, falconry, storytelling, a sword school and much more besides.
Cllr David Brown/Xena Dion says:
“This is a truly fantastic opportunity for children to learn not only about our history but about the importance of democracy in our lives today. This week provides one of those memorable lynchpins in a child’s education they will remember for their entire lives.”
School staff have worked incredibly hard to develop this project and have been supported by Poole Museum Service. The fair has been organised by Bearwood Parents and Friends Association who have in turn been supported by many kind offers of help and support from the community. If you would like further information please contact Bearwood PFA at bearwoodpfa@gmail.com or visit the facebook page.