Magna Carta: Law, Liberty, Legacy

When it was granted by King John in 1215, the Magna Carta was a practical solution to a political crisis. In the centuries since, it has become a potent symbol of liberty and the rule of law. This catalog accompanies a once-in-a-lifetime exhibition at the British Library commemorating the 800th anniversary of Magna Carta. It takes us on a journey from the charter’s medieval origins through to what it means to people around the world today. Drawing on the rich historical collections of the British Library—including two original copies of Magna Carta from 1215—the catalog brings to life the history and contemporary resonance of this globally important document. It features treasured artifacts inspired by the rich legacy of Magna Carta, including Thomas Jefferson’s handwritten draft of the Declaration of Independence and an original copy of the Bill of Rights.