Speaking today in a debate about Magna Carta and how it might be renewed for the future, Oliver mentioned Walkern History Society’s Magna Carta Project which is arranging a series of events over the next two years to promote Walkern’s link with Magna Carta and raise money for community projects. Janet Woodall has been central to the plans and the work on the successful Lottery bid, which the North East Herts MP supported.
Oliver highlighted the Village’s Magna Carta connections. In the 12th and 13th centuries Walkern was the administrative centre of William de Lanvalei, one of the 25 barons elected at Runnymede in 1215 to ensure that King John adhered to the Law of the Land set out in Magna Carta.
Oliver went on to praise our current constitutional arrangements derived from Magna Carta and based on Government, the Courts and the Parliament recognising their distinct roles.
Oliver Heald said “In my constituency is the village of Walkern, which was the administrative centre of William de Lanvalei, one of the 25 barons elected at Runnymede in 1215 to ensure that King John adhered to the law of the land set out in Magna Carta. The Walkern history society is doing a fantastic job this year, together with Janet Woodall and funded by the Big Lottery Fund, in celebrating that fact.
One of the great concerns about a codified constitution or, indeed, a consolidation is that it would affect this place’s arrangements and the arrangements with the courts. It might lead to a constitutional court being seen as a rival or as taking power away from this place. That would be undesirable. The self-restraint that we have in this place and in the courts is very welcome.”
On Friday 15th to Sunday 17th August the Walkern’s Elizabethan Inn, the White Lion, is organising a music festival of local bands in Aid of Walkern’s Magna Carta 800th Fund. Free entry. Mini hog roast.
Contact Janet Woodall at