WAS anyone in Oxford aware that on Monday, June 15, 800 years ago, the Magna Carta was signed?

Other places and cities (for instance, Salisbury – where one of the four remaining documents is housed in its cathedral) celebrated this historic milestone with pageants and fairs, whereas in Oxford, the very place where King John was born, the signing of the “Great Charter” has barely got a mention.

It appears that much of our once proud city heritage has once again been swept under the carpet, perhaps only to be acknowledged by a few university dons and fellows.

Surely, to commemorate one of the most significant social documents and events in the history of mankind, one would have thought that our city above all others might have led the way.

GEOFF AXE
Upper Road, Kennington