IN 1215, in a field in Runnymede, a charter was sealed by King John which changed the face of history – the Magna Carta.

One man who was present at the sealing of the Magna Carta, and whose name appears along with his son, was one William Marshal – "the Greatest Knight", Earl of Pembroke and Chepstow and later Regent of England.

In celebration of the landmark occasion, Sunday 29th March will see the launch of a series of events and activities by Cadw which will be marking the 800th anniversary of the sealing of the Magna Carta in 2015 at Chepstow Castle a strategically important point for William Marshal.

Willow artists Caroline Gregson and Michelle Cain have been commissioned to create larger-than-life sculptures depicting William Marshal for Chepstow which will be unveiled at the launch by Ned Heywood, Mayor of Chepstow.

An online trail on the Cadw website will encourage visitors to follow the story of the Magna Carta across twelve south Wales sites which have connections with the Marshal family.

The celebrations have been made possible by the awarding of a grant by the Magna Carta Trust's 800th Anniversary Commemoration Committee and will serve to highlight and profile William Marshal's contribution to this world famous event.

The launch will take place at 2pm on Sunday 29th March at Chepstow Castle.

Further details of the events to mark the Magna Carta 800th anniversary are available on the Cadw website http://www.cadw.wales.gov.uk">www.cadw.wales.gov.uk and http://www.magnacarta800th.com">www.magnacarta800th.com