Magna Carta

In English history, the charter granted by King John (I) Lackland in 1215, traditionally seen as guaranteeing human rights against the excessive use of royal power. As a reply to the king's demands for feudal dues and attacks on the privileges of the medieval church, Archbishop Stephen Langton proposed to the barons the drawing-up of a binding document in 1213. John was forced to accept this at Runnymede (now in Surrey) on 15 June 1215.

The king's financial demands were caused by a disastrous foreign policy. The charter defined the barons' obligations to the monarch, confirmed the liberties of the English church, and opposed the arbitrary application of justice. Although it did not avert the first Barons' War and was annulled by the pope, it was reissued with changes in 1216, 1217, and 1225. As feudalism declined Magna Carta lost its significance, and under the Tudors was almost forgotten. During the 17th century it was rediscovered and reinterpreted by the Parliamentary party as a democratic document.

Four original copies of Magna Carta exist, one in Salisbury Cathedral, one owned by Lincoln Cathedral and on display at Lincoln Castle, and two in the British Library.