Magna Carta House, Magna Carta Island

Magna Carta House, Magna Carta Island an idyllic private island on the River Thames, an English Country retreat stepped in rich history, and set within 3.73 acres of grounds with over 402 metres of prime river frontage.

This Victorian Grade II Listed home is believed to be the very site where the iconic Magna Carta was signed in 1215.

Imagine relaxing on your private riverfront overlooking the majestic River Thames, surrounded by lush greenery and the tranquil of the English countryside. This is an ideal opportunity to own Magna Carta House, a unique blend of timeless elegance, historical importance and natural beauty.

This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to buy a piece of World history where the rule of law was first forged.

Magna Carta House

This extensive property carries a Grade II historic designation brimming with character

with traditional beam ceilings, charming period details and a grand open fire place.

Built in 1834 by George Simon Harcourt, Magna Carta House stands as a testament to history, preserving the legacy of the Magna Carta and its enduring impact on legal principles and freedoms.

Magna Carta House is approached by a grand drive and adjoins a terrace with a swimming pool and surrounding topiary to the rear. The lush grounds, which feature a vast lawn, whimsical yew topiaries and several mature trees providing screening along the riverside edge, where the property has almost 402 metres of river frontage and wide sweeping steps leading down to the moorings and walkway.

The property has seven bedrooms, including a principal bedroom with a dressing room and an en-suite bathroom. There is also a drawing room, lovely sun-room, dining room with striking wood panelling, the charter room, study, kitchen and dining area, utility room and a storeroom.

Magna Carta Island main house feature a specially created ‘Charter Room’ housing the stone on which the historic document is thought to have been sealed, now lies in the Charter Room inside the Grade II Listed house. The stone engraved with words commemorating the signing of the Charter.

The crest of King John and those of the 25 barons chosen to uphold the charter of liberties hang from the room’s walls. This stunning property is in need of modernization (subject to planning consents)

On the grounds is a tree planted by Queen Elizabeth II in 1974 to mark her visit to this site during her Royal progress, or official tour of the country, from nearby Windsor.

The grounds include a detached garage and a detached cottage located opposite the house, which has two bedrooms, kitchen, reception room and a bathroom. The cottage has been the subject of heavy tree damage and requires total renovation or replacement (subject to planning permission)

Location

Magna Carta Island is surrounded by the Thames and a smaller waterway, sits in the river opposite Runnymede Meadow, where according to historians, the rebellious barons camped ahead of the deal. King John and his men are thought to have gathered opposite for protection.

The property is situated at the end of a long private driveway screened with large old trees and nestled within a neighbourhood that features only a handful of Residential Estates, providing a tranquil and secluded setting.

The property is part of the village of Wraysbury, which lies 5 miles from Windsor. Windsor has a wide range of amenities and neighbors Eton College, the renowned independent boarding school for boys.

The area is rich with Royal History. The neighboring “Ankerwycke” is the site of the 2,000 year old yew that is rumored to be where Henry VIII conducted his first meetings with Anne Boleyn in the 1530s.

Staines-upon-Thames is a market town in north-west Surrey around 17 miles west of central London. It is in the Borough of Spelthorne, at the confluence of the River Thames and Colne.

King John and Magna Carta History

Magna Carta House was built by George Simon Harcourt, Lord of the Manor and the Sheriff of the county in 1834, to commemorate the sealing of Magna Carta.

Nestled on a petite island within the picturesque River Thames, this Victorian residence is believed to be the historic site where the signing of the Magna Carta occurred in 1215. It is cited that the island’s protection of a circle of walnut trees would keep enemy long bows out of range.

Now known as Magna Carta Island, this property includes the primary house and a dedicated Charter Room, specially designed to preserve the stone upon which the iconic document is thought to have received its seal. Its walls are hung with the crest of King John and those 25 rebellious barons selected to keep the Magna Carta safe, including Richard de Montfichet, who was the owner of the island, which was part of the Manor of Wraysbury.

What is the Magna Carta?

Magna Carta – meaning Great Charter – enshrined basic freedoms and limited the King’s authority.  The Magna Carta or Great Charter, enthroned the principle of the Rule of Law documented freedom of speech in England and Wales and formed the basis for the US Constitution. It is Globally recognized as the basis of CML Liberties in the West.

The publication has its origins in a dispute between King John and English Barons and guaranteed basic freedoms and property rights to “free men” while subjecting the sovereign to the laws of the land for the first time.

It is regarded as the cornerstone of liberty in the English-speaking world and the source of fundamental concepts of law, including trial by jury, protection against excessive fines and cruel and unusual punishment.

The first document was sealed – not signed- in 1215 by King John. The final one was issued in 1300. Seventeen versions survive from the 13^th century.

While the Charter itself names Runnymede as the place it was sealed, the island may have been considered part of Runnymede at the time.