HAPPY 800TH, MAGNA CARTA
A milestone for ‘The Great Charter’
It is often the truth in a tale that proves to be the most fascinating aspect of it. For centuries, the story of Robin Hood and his Merry Men has captivated audiences and though historians have had a difficult time determining whether the hero of the fable ever truly existed, the villain most certainly did. England’s King John is remembered for levying heavy taxes, executing subjects for hunting in “his” forest, being self-serving and taking liberties with nobles’ wives.
But for all his vices, history has shown that England’s much maligned king got one thing right. On June 15, 1215, King John sealed Magna Carta as law in England. Unfortunately, being who he was, he later reneged on the agreement.
Magna Carta is Latin for The Great Charter and it is one of the most important documents in the history of the world. It outlined basic human rights and declared that no one was above the law — including the king. It addressed issues like the right to a fair trial and limits on taxation without representation. Its guiding principles inspired the creation of other great documents like the American Declaration of Independence and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
For King John, Magna Carta was a peace treaty — the only way to make peace with powerful barons who were so exasperated they had taken up arms against their king. Eight-hundred years later, we realize that Magna Carta has become much more than any of the barons who drafted it likely ever imagined. Many people around the world can trace the human rights and liberties they enjoy back to Magna Carta — and that makes its 800th birthday something really worth celebrating.
ENGLAND CELEBRATES
Magna Carta exhibits, displays, documentaries and events will be taking place throughout England in 2015. Here are three top spots to visit this summer.
British Library: The British Library has organized the largest Magna Carta exhibition ever staged from March 13 to Sept. 3, 2015. Two of the four surviving original Magna Carta documents will be on display along with Thomas Jefferson’s handwritten copy of the U.S. Declaration of Independence and one of the original copies of the U.S. Bill of Rights. These will be displayed along with paintings, statues, and relics that help depict the dramatic history of Magna Carta. There will also be learning programs and events. ( bl.uk/events/magna-carta-lawliberty-legacy)
Lincoln Castle: When Magna Carta was sealed by King John, individual copies were distributed to places of worship throughout England, so they could be read aloud to the illiterate populace. After it was read, Lincoln Cathedral’s copy was placed in the archives and was not rediscovered until the early 19th century. For that reason, Lincoln has one of the best-preserved copies of the four that survived. Lincoln also has a copy of the 1217 Charter of the Forest sealed by young King Henry III. The Charter of the Forest was a companion document to the Magna Carta that re-established rights of access to the Royal Forest for free men and eliminated the death sentence for hunting wild game. Beginning on April 1, Lincoln’s Magna Carta and Charter of the Forest will be on display at Lincoln Castle in a brand new visitor centre built specifically to house the documents. The exhibit has a 180-degree cinema screen and other activities and displays. Touring the refurbished castle, which was built by William the Conqueror in 1068 and walking along the medieval castle wall walkway is thrilling. You can also visit a Victorian prison and take part in Magna Carta Programming that varies from academic lectures to Robin Hood plays. (visitlincoln. com or lincolncastle.com)
Salisbury Cathedral: Home to one of the surviving original copies of Magna Carta, Salisbury Cathedral has developed a new interactive exhibition especially for the 800th anniversary. The exhibit helps tell the story of Magna Carta and on-site educational programming throughout 2015 will also assist visitors in discovering the fascinating history of Magna Carta. Even without Magna Carta, this 750 year-old cathedral would be worth visiting. It has the tallest church spire in the United Kingdom and a Tower Tour will take you to the top of the hallow spire. The architecture of the cathedral is beautiful and it contains the world’s oldest working clock (dating from 1386).
MAGNA CARTA COMES TO CANADA
As part of the 800th anniversary celebrations, a 1225 Magna Carta and a 1217 Charter of the Forest will be touring four Canadian cities in 2015. The two documents will form the centrepiece of an exhibit that will include a film, a new book, interpretive materials and interactive multimedia displays. The tour runs from June 11 to Dec. 29 in Ottawa, Winnipeg, Toronto and Edmonton. The Edmonton exhibition will take place in the Legislative Assembly of Alberta Visitor Centre from Nov 23 to Dec 29, 2015. For more information on Magna Carta’s tour of Canada, visit magnacartacanada.ca.