From a noblemen’s manifesto to a democracy-defining document- is Magna Carta England’s greatest export?
800 years on from its writing, join historian and journalist Derek Taylor, author of Magna Carta in 20 Places, as he explains why this document went global.
When Magna Carta, the Great Charter of Liberties was born 800 years ago, it looked like no more than a manifesto for England’s noblemen. But buried in its medieval jargon was something more fundamental, something which later generations could build on to defend their rights as ordinary English citizens. Then in the seventeenth century Magna Carta was shipped overseas. The new American colonies gave it almost biblical reverence. It was quoted in the US Bill of Rights. And later when other new nations, such as Canada, India and Australia, were born from the British Empire, they too recognised the influence of the Great Charter on their own systems of law and government.
After the talk Derek will also be signing copies of his book, Magna Carta in 20 Places, which will be available for purchase on the evening.