Exhibition of the Magna Carta -Spring 2025
The Society of Antiquaries' "Magna Carta 1225" exhibition is historically important for several key reasons, especially as it marks the 800th anniversary of this specific reissue. What is a re-issue and why do we care?
Highlighting the Definitive Version of Magna Carta: While the 1215 Magna Carta signed by King John at Runnymede is the most famous, it was quickly annulled and largely ineffective.2 The 1225 reissue by King Henry III is historically more significant because it was this version that truly became "enshrined in English law" and served as the basis for future legal and constitutional developments.3 By focusing on 1225, the exhibition corrects a common misconception and emphasizes the enduring version of the document.
Showcasing Rare and Unique Manuscripts: The Society of Antiquaries holds its own remarkable collection of Magna Carta copies, including:
A contemporary copy of the 1225 Magna Carta, believed to be from Halesowen Abbey, which is particularly significant as it represents the definitive version.4
A rare 1215 text (the Black Book of Peterborough), potentially derived from an early draft, offering insights into the negotiation process.5
A 14th-century illuminated manuscript featuring the 1225 Magna Carta and the Charter of the Forest, highlighting their legal and administrative legacy.67 Displaying these unique historical artifacts provides a tangible link to the past and allows visitors to see the documents that shaped history.
Exploring the Enduring Legacy and Global Impact: The exhibition aims to demonstrate how Magna Carta, particularly the 1225 version, "has influenced legal and human rights systems worldwide, from the French Revolution to the United States Constitution and the United Nations' Declaration of Human Rights."89 This underscores its relevance far beyond medieval England and its foundational role in concepts like:
The rule of law: The principle that no one, not even the monarch, is above the law.
Due process: The right to a fair trial and protection from arbitrary imprisonment (articulated in clauses like "No free man shall be taken or imprisoned... except by the lawful judgement of his peers or by the law of the land").
Limited government: The idea that a ruler's power should be restricted.10
Promoting Accessibility and Education:
Free entry: The exhibition's free admission for regular hours makes it accessible to a wide audience, breaking down financial barriers to engaging with important historical material.11
Educational initiatives: Plans for "free educational sessions for state school students and community groups" and "freely accessible digital versions of the Charters" in collaboration with "Classics for All" demonstrate a strong commitment to public outreach and long-term educational impact. This is crucial for ensuring that future generations understand the document's significance.
Marking a Significant Anniversary: The 800th anniversary of the 1225 reissue provides a timely and important occasion to revisit Magna Carta.12 Anniversaries serve as opportunities for reflection, scholarly re-evaluation, and public engagement with historical events and documents that continue to shape our present.13
In essence, the "Magna Carta 1225" exhibition is important because it offers a precise, well-supported, and accessible exploration of the version of Magna Carta that truly took root in English law and subsequently influenced global concepts of rights and governance. By showcasing rare documents and focusing on its lasting legacy, the Society of Antiquaries helps us understand why this medieval charter remains profoundly relevant in the 21st century.14
