Four surviving 'original' versions of the Magna Carta have been reunited for the first time in eight hundred years - at the British Library in London. Security was extremely tight (not unlike an airport) for this unique reunion, which I was proud to witness.

Normally, two versions are on view at Salisbury and Lincoln Cathedrals (to which they will soon return) - with the others held by the British Library.

Of enormous significance throughout most of the world - the great charter was the basis for Thomas Jefferson's Declaration of Independence in America. And many regard the Magna Carta as the foundation of the rule of law - and that no individual, even a monarch, is above it.


edition.cnn.com/2015/02/02/europe/four-m...carta-copies-united/

I'm not convinced by the Magna Carta. Times have changed so radically and human rights have had to adapt too. It was great protecting individuals back in those days. I'm not sure it's "fit for purpose" in 2015. Your views on the contents SP?

'Does Magna Carta mean nothing to you?'

'Did she die in vain?'



(Tony Hancock/1959)

Sadly it was Tony who died in vain; too soon, far too soon. I think of him every time my doctor draws blood from my body.

Magna Carta and later developments like the Bill of Rights. Great stuff. But the arrogant of the English speaking world. It's like some great plan to a building way back then with foundations dug and set up then hundreds years later saying what a great example of a building and architecture when it did not even develop into the finished master piece. And to boot it ignores Greek and Roman architecture of preceding times that was completed. In terms of law—Roman law and other cultures (possibly) had similar rights if not better than the Magna Carta and that was 100's years before the Magna Carta.

No it is sad to see lack of development and things like habeas corpus plus other aspects going backwards after many centuries not even marking time.

Let's hope for one hell of move forward for human rights. And until that happens it might be better not to mention the Magna Carta as it brings shame on the English speaking world in my opinion that progress has reversed.

JK2006 wrote:
Times have changed so radically and human rights have had to adapt too. It was great protecting individuals back in those days. I'm not sure it's "fit for purpose" in 2015

You're correct JK.



Just two clauses remain valid:-


- the one that guarantees the liberties of the English Church

- the clause confirming the privileges of the City of London (and other towns)

- and the clause that states that no free man shall be imprisoned without the lawful judgement of his equals

And we see how outdated that is - judgement of his equals indeed! Bollocks. It's like the American Constitution - everyone is entitled to carry a loaded gun; vital in those early lawless days when killers roamed the land; not so clever now that three year olds shoot their parents.

*Three clauses.

But the Magna Carta nowadays has probably more historical significance for the USA, in view of the direct connection with their constitution etc.

The American bar erected (and maintain) the Magna Carta Memorial at Runnymede (near Windsor) - and have regular jaunts there.

But this year (the 800th anniversary), Harvard and Yale alumni will be out in force. The JFK memorial is nearby - on an acre of US land, which was donated by the Queen.

SP17 wrote:

- the one that guarantees the liberties of the English Church


LOL !

In 1215 the "English" church was the Church of Rome !

I plan to visit Runnymede this Spring; I gather there's a fabulous old tree there.

JK2006 wrote:
I plan to visit Runnymede this Spring; I gather there's a fabulous old tree there.

Take your wellies !

JK2006 wrote:
I plan to visit Runnymede this Spring; I gather there's a fabulous old tree there.

You are probably thinking about the Ankerwycke Yew - but that's on the other side of the Thames. There's a lot to see in Runnymede, with a bit of walking.

A few miles down the road is Windsor - with the castle (most of it) open to the public. Great day out from central London, just off the M4.

In The Know (as always) wrote:

In 1215 the "English" church was the Church of Rome !

Really? Since 1207, all Catholic services (including mass) were banned in England - and King John was excommunicated in 1209.

Another way to get to Runnymede - is on the Gloriana, from Hurley.

In June, for the Magna Carta pageant.


The barge led the Diamond Jubilee Pageant in 2012.

I wasn't on it then - but will be in June.


A copy of Magna Carta will be on board - and read to all, by actors.

Off to Canada then - the MC (one of them).

SP17 wrote:
In The Know (as always) wrote:

In 1215 the "English" church was the Church of Rome !

Really? Since 1207, all Catholic services (including mass) were banned in England - and King John was excommunicated in 1209.



The roots of the Church of England go back to the time of the Roman Empire when Christianity entered the Roman province of Britain. Through the influences of St Alban, St Illtud, St Ninian, St Patrick and, later, St Augustine, St Aidan and St Cuthbert, the Church of England developed, acknowledging the authority of the Pope until the Reformation in the 16th century.

www.churchofengland.org/about-us/history.aspx

It SHOULD SAY -

The roots of the Church of England go back to WHEN IT WAS THE CATHOLIC CHURCH

SP17 wrote:
Really? Since 1207, all Catholic services (including mass) were banned in England - and King John was excommunicated in 1209.



Really ?

The Interdict which you refer to came into force on Monday 24th March 1208 and lasted six years expiring on 2nd July 1214. Masses were allowed from 1209.

It was a spat over the appointment of Stephen Langton as Archbishop of Canterbury - John would not agree to the Papal appointment, made by Innocent III.
John backed down and Langton WAS appointed.

The four Magna Cartas are in the House of Lords today.

Where some are moaning about King John having a quill in his hand - on the commemorative £2 coin; when the documents were endorsed by Royal seal.


Another Magna Carta joke:-

- a busload of Yanks arrive at Runnymede

- one, pointing to the copy, asks 'when was it signed?'

- the guide replies '1215'

- Yank, at the back, says 'aww honey, we've missed it by 30 minutes'