Fact of the Day

Posted by: Beano on 15 June 2006

Magna carta;

On this day in 1215, King John of England sealed the Magna Carta (Latin for "Great Charter") - the first charter of English liberties and one of the most important documents in the history of political freedom and human rights. It became a symbol and a battle cry against oppression. It guaranteed the freedom of the church, restricted taxes and fines, and promised justice to all. Four original copies of the 1215 charter survive; two are held at the British Library while the others can be seen in the cathedral archives at Lincoln and Salisbury.

Beano
Posted on: 15 June 2006 by Bob McC
When I went to the British Library recently both copies were unavailable to the public.
Posted on: 15 June 2006 by JoeH
quote:
Originally posted by bob mccluckie:
When I went to the British Library recently both copies were unavailable to the public.


They're probably classified as containing information that could be of use to a terrorist
Posted on: 15 June 2006 by Derek Wright
Especially for you

http://www.bl.uk/treasures/magnacarta/magna.html

see if you can spot the remaing few items that are still included in English law -
Posted on: 15 June 2006 by Roy T
Your starter for 10 points.

Has English law evolved or devolved since 1215?
Posted on: 17 June 2006 by Martin Payne
quote:
Originally posted by bob mccluckie:
When I went to the British Library recently both copies were unavailable to the public.



You could always find some excuse to go to Salisbury, then look at the copy on public display in the Cathedral.

Magna Carta at Salisbury Cathedral

cheers, Martin