The Barons' occupation of London- a turning point

On May 12th a delegation of Trowbridge dignitaries were invited by London's Lord Mayor to the Mansion House to commemorate a significant event which ultimately brought about the creation of Magna Carta. In 1215, the barons who had risen up in rebellion against King John's rapacious and unjust behaviour took over London. A king could not rule without control of the most important city in the country and John was eventually forced to sue for peace. Magna Carta was essentially a peace treaty, sealed less than a month after the taking of London.

Representatives from Trowbridge at the Mansion House, London, flying the arms of Magna Carta baron Henry de Bohun

Massive coup for Trowbridge Museum's Magna Carta festival- a talk by historical novelist Elizabeth Chadwick

Coming to Trowbridge Museum in July- award-winning, best-selling author Elizabeth Chadwick! Elizabeth will talk about  her work and her medieval hero of the Magna Carta era, William Marshal. There will be a book-signing after the talk open to all-comers but the talk itself will be a ticket only event so book soon to avoid disappointment! Contact katherine.white@trowbridge.gov.uk or call 01225 751339.

And the Magna Carta exhibits just keep on coming...

You can't walk through Trowbridge Town Centre at the moment without seeing a "Trowbridge, Magna Carta Baron Town" poster. The town has really embraced the history of their Magna Carta hero, Henry de Bohun, and the recent conference on the subject attracted hundreds of people.

Our current exhibition, "Magna Carta- Game of Barons" now features some new exhibits produced by local U3A members. There is bunting showing the devices of a number of barons appointed to ensure the terms of Magna Carta were carried out (note Henry de Bohun's distinctive blue shield), a banner representing medieval Trowbridge and its baron,a wonderful medieval lady with her sewing and a sword and shield for the life-size maquette of Henry de Bohun.

Pop over and visit the Museum in the Mall (The Shires, Trowbridge). We aim to be fun, friendly and, best of all, we are most certainly FREE!

Magna Carta for kids

With its emphasis on ancient laws, the rights of the Church and the laity, Magna Carta is a bit of a hard nut to crack for children. So what can go into Trowbridge Museum's exhibition that will be child-friendly?
One of the answers the Assistant Curator came up with was...Lego.
Yes, Lego.

Laying out a medieval formal garden in Lego

First attempt at a medieval garden

Fortunately, Trowbridge Museum has a volunteer who is a Lego expert. He has been rail-roaded into recreating a medieval rural scene, rather loosely based on King John's acceptance of Magna Carta at Runnymede in 1215. It is also fortunate that Lego produced a set of construction toys called Knights' Kingdom, a good source of minifigures to play the part of King John's disloyal barons.

Blacksmith's forge and water wheel

It just so happened that the Assistant Curator had bought a Knights' Kingdom set featuring a blacksmith (and a chicken. Why a chicken? Apparently this is quite a rare Lego piece), so this can fit into the background. There is also a castle planned for the backdrop, just a little one.

Medieval garden from above

Work is now underway to construct some kind of temporary building for Lego King John to sit in as he affixes his seal to Magna Carta. Not as easy as one might think, and there are quite a few barons to fit in, not to mention, horses, retinues, tents, interested peasants...

King John NOT signing Magna Carta-he accepted it by attaching the Royal Seal

Look what's coming! A life size model of Henry de Bohun, Lord of the Manor of Trowbridge, all the way from its home in Canterbury. Work will begin soon on displaying this splendid gentleman- so watch this space!