Magna Carta – 800th Anniversary Issue at Durham Cathedral

Three rare Magna Cartas will go on display next summer at Durham Cathedral to celebrate the 800th anniversary of the 1225 issue of Magna Carta already in the cathedral’s collection.

Durham Cathedral celebrates 800th anniversary of its Magna Carta through exhibition, art and community projects.

This means that Durham Cathedral will be displaying its three rare Magna Cartas for the first time in eight years, part of a new exhibition, Magna Carta and the North.

On display will be the only surviving 1216 Magna Carta, along with issues from 1225 and 1300, and three Forest Charters – practical documents granting access to land and natural resources.

There will also be special art work and installations and community projects to mark this historic occasion.

Magna Carta, or the ‘Great Charter’, has been described as the most famous document in English history and a cornerstone of modern democracy.

First 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 king 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 here 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 general public so we’re very excited to announce that they will be on display once again for the world to see.”

The last time the Magna Cartas and the Forest Charters were on display at Durham Cathedral was in the summer of 2017 when almost 19,000 people came to see them over an 11-week period.

The Dean of Durham, The Very Revd Dr Philip Plyming said:

“Magna Carta is an extraordinary document underpinned by a belief that all people – including those who hold most power – are accountable to God.  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 all visitors the chance to reflect on the story of their creation and their meaning today.”

Andrew Usher, Chief Officer for Visitor Experience and Enterprise said:

“This anniversary of the 1225 issue gives us the opportunity to not only showcase these fascinating documents but also to explore what they mean in the world today. 

“Taking inspiration from the themes of freedom and social justice we’re looking at ways to engage even more people by telling the story of the Magna Cartas through art, light and sound around the cathedral.”

For more information visit www.durhamcathedral.co.uk