A much smaller attendance than for the last few months but a welcome return to the Harry Cobb Room for lunch. Twenty four members enjoyed a Steak and Ale Pie with Mashed Potato and Seasonal Vegetables, followed by Lemon Cheesecake with Autumn Berries.
Our speaker was Simon Waterfield who gave us an excellent history lesson about the Magna Carta from the perspective of a Seneschal in the employ of Robert Fitzwalter, feudal Baron of Little Dunmow in Essex and constable of Baynard's Castle in London.
Simon was dressed for the part and ready to protect his Baron.
Robert Fitzwalter was one of the most powerful and wealthy Barons eventually turning against King John, nicknamed 'Lack Land' after the loss of estates in Normandy. He was implicated in the baronial conspiracy in 1212 and appointed 'Marshall of the Army of God and Holy Church' the leader of the 25 barons who forced King John to sign the Magna Carta at Runnymede in 1215.
Thank you Simon for an entertaining talk and maybe we will have to consider an outing to Runnymede next summer.
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