The history
Medieval flavours, modern drinking
1215 was a time of great political unrest in England, with a consortium of 25 barons and clergy members seeking to limit the power of the crown. After taking control of the city of London, this alliance was able to force unpopular King John to meet with them on neutral territory, at Runnymede along the Thames, to hear their demands.
A spirit that stands the test of time
In addition to London and Runnymede, eight other towns played a role in the creation of the Magna Carta. From St Albans and Bury St Edmonds to Durham, Hereford, Lincoln, Oxford and Salisbury, the roots of ‘the Great Charter of Liberty’ took hold in every corner of the country. Yet, it’s the rolling hills of Runnymede that will forever be associated with the signing of Magna Carta, for it was here that the rights of ‘free men’ to justice and a fair trial, in addition to other crucially important freedoms, became enshrined within this document.
Runnymede also has personal significance to the Leacy family, being somewhere they regularly visit for family walks. Naming their first foray into the creation of spirits after the Magna Carta seemed like the perfect fit.
Though more than 800 years have passed, the epic story of Magna Carta lives on in this tantalising tipple. Evoking the spirit of the Great Charter, which went on to inspire the United States Bill of Rights in 1791 and 1948’s Universal Declaration of Human Rights among many others, a purchase of our gin is an investment in freedom. Be sure to purchase a bottle for drinking, and one to pass on to future generations.