Magna Cartas to go on show for 800th anniversary
Tony Henderson reports on a very special display booked for next summer in Durham
Three rarely-seen Magna Cartas will go on display next summer at Durham Cathedral.
The event will celebrate the 800th anniversary of the 1225 issue of Magna Carta n the cathedral's collection.
The exhibition, Magna Carta and the North, will run from July 11 to November 2.
On display will be the 1216 Magna Carta, along with issues from 1225 and 1300, and three Forest Charters - practical documents granting access to land and natural resources.
The Magna Carta, or the ‘Great Charter’, has been described as the most famous document in English history and a cornerstone of modern democracy.
Originally issued in 1215, it was the first document that put into writing that the King and his government were not above the law, in order to prevent the monarch from exploiting his power.
With three clauses from the 1225 Magna Carta still in force today, the document remains a cornerstone of British democracy.
Alison Cullingford, head of libraries and collections at Durham Cathedral, said: “We care for an extensive medieval archive at Durham Cathedral and the Magna Cartas and Forest Charters are some of the most remarkable documents within it.
“Due to their fragile nature and historical importance, these documents are rarely seen by the public so we’re very excited to announce that they will be on display.”
Durham Cathedral holds an extensive medieval archive, and although the monastery was dissolved in 1539 the cathedral continued, meaning most of the archive survived.
The Magna Carta and the Charter of the Forest were distributed to Sheriffs and Bishops, to be read out in public so new laws could be spread among the people.
As Durham was a County Palatine, meaning the Bishop could exercise royal powers outside the authority of the crown, the archivists here were very aware of English laws and encouraged good record keeping.
Many cathedrals just kept the most recent version of Charters and disposed of earlier, outdated issues, but at Durham they were carefully stored away for future reference.
To celebrate the anniversary and the display of these rare surviving documents, the cathedral is also planning to host temporary installations and community-focused artworks.
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For centuries, the Magna Carta has inspired and encouraged freedom movements around the world, so taking inspiration from the themes of freedom and social justice the cathedral team is looking at ways to tell the story of the Magna Cartas through art, light and sound around the cathedral.
The Dean of Durham, The Very Revd Dr Philip Plyming, said: “The principles of freedom and access to justice go all the way back to the Old Testament and are as relevant now as they were then.
“I am delighted that the display of Durham Cathedral's wonderful Magna Cartas and the equally important Forest Charters will give visitors the chance to reflect on the story of their creation and their meaning today."
Tickets will go on sale early next year and will cost £7.50 for adults and will be free for under 18s.
For more information visit www.durhamcathedral.co.uk