Original Magna Carta Copies to be Reunited by the British Library in 2015

For the first time in British history, the remaining original pieces of the documents that gave birth to freedom and liberty on which Britain was founded will be reunited under one roof. The original copies of the “Great Charter” or Magna Carta are already 800 years old. Their unification in 2015, after these many centuries, is indeed a huge milestone not only for the United Kingdom but for its people as well.

The British Library announced on Monday that the surviving copies of the Magna Carta will be brought together for only three days which will mark the anniversary. These historical documents are not mere pieces of paper personally endorsed on June 1215 by King John himself to pacify an uprising of English nobles. They serve as important foundations of laws that now govern many nations.

Three days of history

According to Claire Breay, lead curator of medieval manuscripts in the British Library, only four of the original copies survived. Currently, two of the copies are in the British Library Collection. The other one can be found at Lincoln Cathedral while the last remaining piece is at Salisbury Cathedral. Duplicates were made and some were sent to the bishops across England.

In the 13th century, the Magna Carta was re-issued and about 17 copies survived. Fifteen of the said copies can be found in Britain. One of the copies is on display in Australia’s parliament. The last piece dated 1297 can be found in the United States National Archives.

The birth of the Great Charter

The Magna Carta came into existence as a means to an end. The documents served the monarchy well and assured peace and equality that the English nobles demanded. At that time, the nobles were outraged and discontented about the overwhelming tax collection scheme. The monarch’s abuse of power eventually led to an uprising. King John resolved the crisis by initiating the charter, limiting the powers of the King and subjecting the throne to the same laws every citizen was bound.

However, the effects of the charter lasted for only 10 weeks. Knowing that the king would not hold true to his word, a safeguard was placed into the charter by barons. King John was prompted to put in a clause stating that he would not annul the charter by any means. After the charter was passed and implemented, King John sent an envoy to Rome to seek the help of the Pope to annul the charter. Pope Innocent III annulled the Magna Carta and England returned to its chaotic status. After a year, King John died and 9-year-old Henry III was crowned. Being incapable of properly discharging the responsibilities of the kingship, young Henry III’s regent ruled on his behalf. The regent reinstated the Magna Carta and peace was once again restored.

The foundation of laws

The Great Charter is considered to be one of the most important documents ever to have been written in human history. Its influence has reached not only Britain but other western countries such as the United States of America. Even though some of its contents were already rewritten or overturned, it became the basis of British common laws as well as the inspiration of the United States constitution.

Photo Credit: The British Library