Magna Carta is one of the most famous documents in the world. Explore its 800-year legacy with unique collection items, newly-commissioned articles by leading experts, videos and animations and a range of teaching resources. School groups can also contribute a clause towards a new Magna Carta for the digital age.
Featured content
Themes
Why was Magna Carta agreed at Runnymede in 1215? What did the document say, and how was it interpreted over the next 800 years? Why is it still important today, and how does it affect our culture, laws and rights? Explore the themes below to find answers to all these questions and more.
Medieval origins
Why was Magna Carta agreed in 1215? Explore the medieval context in which the historic meeting at Runnymede took place.
Read moreClauses and content
What does Magna Carta actually say? Why are some clauses still part of English law, while others have been forgotten?
Read moreMagna Carta today
Explore Magna Carta’s place in the modern world and its influence on law, popular culture and human rights.
Read moreCollection items
Examine a range of rich historical sources relating to Magna Carta and its 800 year legacy. Discover unique items, such as an original 1215 Magna Carta, the papal bull that annulled it and Thomas Jefferson's draft of the American Declaration of Independence.
The ancestry of King John
Date: c.1300-07
Magna Carta 1215
Date: 15 June 1215
Painting of King John by an unknown artist
Date: c. 1620
Featured people
Discover the key figures involved with Magna Carta during the 13th century, from monarchs King John and Henry III, to churchmen Pope Innocent III and Archbishop Stephen Langton, to barons William Marshal and Robert fitz Walter.
Blog posts about Magna Carta
Fire, Fire! The Tragic Burning of the Cotton Library
Sunday, October 23, 20162016 has been a year of anniversaries, some of them more notable than others. Already this year we have commemorated 350 years since the Great Fire of London (1666), the 950th anniversary of the Battle of Hastings (1066), and 1,000...
A Belated Holiday Gift from Us: a Giant List of Digitised Manuscript Hyperlinks!
Thursday, January 14, 2016It's that time of year again, friends, and we're pleased to (belatedly) celebrate the holidays by giving you a magnificent gift. This gift is certainly worth the wait, though - a massive list of Digitised Manuscripts hyperlinks! We're mixing it...
Magna Carta Virtual Tour
Saturday, August 29, 2015Magna Carta: Law, Liberty, Legacy has been the most successful exhibition ever staged by the British Library, with in excess of 100,000 visitors. But we are aware that many, many more will never be able to see it in person,...
British Museum Loans in Magna Carta: Law, Liberty, Legacy
Wednesday, August 26, 2015As the British Library's major exhibition Magna Carta: Law, Liberty, Legacy draws to a close — it's been an amazing 5 months — we'd like to take this opportunity to showcase some of the key British Museum loans in the...
Magna Carta: Law, Liberty, Legacy
Magna Carta: Law, Liberty, Legacy (paperback)
Please note: It’s out of stock now, but will be back soon
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