The JFK memorial in Runnymede is technically on American soil (Image: Mark Kerrison/In Pictures via Getty Images) A popular English spot for family strolls and picnics holds a little-known secret. Runnymede, a small area along its border with Berkshire, is technically not part of the UK but belongs to America. Runnymede itself is known for its historical significance as the location where King John signed the Magna Carta in 1215, an event pivotal to the development of Western democracy.
And over 700 years later, it was here that a memorial was erected in honour of American President John F. Kennedy, who was assassinated in 1963. function loadOvpScript(){let el=document.
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addEventListener("tcfLoaded",()=>{loadOvpScript()ExpressApp.Log('[Load] OVP tcfLoaded',new Date())})}},1500)}) Two years after JFK's death on 14 May 1965, Queen Elizabeth II, accompanied by his widow Jackie Kennedy and their two children, inaugurated the memorial. The Queen gifted the land to America when she was joined by Jackie Kennedy at the memorial's inauguration (Image: Eyles/Wilson/Mirrorpix/Getty Images) Trending During her tribute to the late President, the Queen formally gifted the acre of land on which the memorial stands to the US.
This means that when you pass through the gates, you technically step onto American soil, transporting your leisurely family walk to another continent, reports the Mirror . After entering the gate, visitors ascend 50 steps (symbolising the number of US states) before reaching a seven-tonne block of Portland stone. This stone is engraved with words from JFK's inaugural presidential speech.
The memorial is engraved with JFK's inaugural speech (Image: BEN STANSALL/AFP via Getty Images) While visiting Runnymede, there are plenty of other monuments to explore, all of which are firmly located on British soil. One such monument is the Magna Carta memorial, commemorating the signing of this historic document Another is the Fairhaven Memorial Lodges, one of which now houses the Magna Carta Tea Rooms - an ideal spot for a refreshing cuppa after a countryside walk. From these memorials, including the JFK tribute, it's less than an hour's stroll to the Runnymede Air Forces Memorial.
This poignant site honours those who sacrificed their lives in air operations during World War II. Related articles The village where donkeys make deliveries and cars are banned Pretty village with 'gorgeous' views named one of Britain's best hidden gems Seven-bed lighthouse on Scottish island for sale for less than £100,000 Europe's highest pedestrian suspension bridge that crosses 574ft above void Fury in UK's 'loveliest village' given brutal nickname over bin row SUBSCRIBE Invalid email We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding.
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