"A fantastic final with outstanding contributions from all the finalists" Professor Justin Champion, judge of the Historical Association Great Debate final.

Click here to access the film of the event...

After five months of regional heats across the UK and the Republic of Ireland the final for the Historical Association's student debating competition took place on Saturday 14 March.

Twenty winners from the regional heats came to Royal Holloway University of London to participate in an extremely close and high quality final on the question ‘What does Magna Carta mean to me'. Royal Holloway, only a stone's throw from Runnymede where John set his seal to the Great Charter in 1215, was the perfect setting to consider the legacy and long history of Magna Carta. Our finalists displayed an impressive sweep and knowledge of history and tackled some complex issues around freedom and civil liberties.

After careful deliberation the judges announced that the winner for 2015 is Charlotte Mallon from Upton Hall School, Merseyside.

Charlotte will receive £100 from the HA and her school will receive £1000 worth of education materials courtesy of Hodder Education

First Runner Up was Eve Brankin of High Storrs School, Sheffield

Eve will receive £75 from the HA and her school will receive £500 worth of education materials from Hodder Education

Second Runner Up was Anna Bondarenko of Henrietta Barnett School, London

Anna will receive £50 from the HA

"We were impressed with the quality, poise and strength of argument from all of the speakers. It was a real pleasure to listen to these young people who represent our future" Professor Jackie Eales

The final was held in the glorious Picture Gallery at Royal Holloway, part of London University. We are very grateful to the University for sponsoring the use of such a wonderful space.

The finalists have all been given the HA's President's Award and one year's membership.

"The sense of camaraderie amongst the students was impressive and reflective of the enthusiasm that they all had for taking part and discussing their ideas. While not all of the students will go on to study history at university, the level of debate and engagement with the topic indicates a positive future for history as scholastic pursuit and a passionate past time that provides skills for many other areas of learning". Rebecca Sullivan, CEO of the Historical Association.

Professor Justin Champion added: "It was very fitting that this year's Great Debate was held in the Borough of Runnymede, home to Royal Holloway, where Magna Carta was sealed 800 years ago. At Royal Holloway, some of the world's brightest minds continue to pursue the ambitions of that famous document. The Great Debate has been a wonderful opportunity to encourage young people to think deeply about the importance of freedom and democracy, and how the principles established on our doorstep in June 1215 will survive to be passed on to future generations."