Magna Carta: 1225

Magna Carta 1215 1225 celebrates the 800th anniversary of the definitive issue of Magna Carta in 1225.

Although Magna Carta is now closely associated with King John and the year 1215, John’s charter was a failure, soon annulled by the pope, and disregarded by both the king and his opponents.

It was the charter’s reissue by John’s son Henry III that ensured its survival.

Copies of the 1215, 1217 and 1225 versions are on display, accompanied by objects illustrating the changing meanings of Magna Carta from the 13th to the 21st centuries.

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