September 12, 2014
Why are there so many Magna Cartas?
This article from the BBC discusses the development of Magna Carta, and how each edition & revision of the document is indicative of the thoughts of an age:
Article Excerpt:
‘It is known by many as the document that ultimately resulted in modern democracy. So why are there so many versions around of Magna Carta?
Magna Carta is one of the most important, well-known documents in history and next year marks its 800th anniversary.
To celebrate this, London Metropolitan Archives is putting on display its version in a new heritage gallery.
“People imagine that it’s going to be really pretty, and that it’s going to be an illuminated manuscript, and it’s not, but that’s really interesting because it’s a working document,” said Geoff Pick, director.
“It was a negotiated peace treaty between warring sides.”
It is not the only one that is on display of course – there are in fact 17 copies of the Magna Carta which are known to have survived over the years.
But why are there so many?’
To read more of this article, please click here.
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