Topcliffe Magna Carta Celebrations

A day of celebration was held on Sunday 14th June to commemorate the 800th anniversary and significance of Topcliffe in the Historic application of the Royal Great Seal to Magna Carta.

Magna Carta is a document which underpins the Rule of Law in post – Medieval Western politics. The majority of the events have been provided through a grant from the Magna Carta 800th Anniversary Committee, to whom we are very grateful.

The day’s events took place in the Church, The Playing Field and The Angel Inn at Topcliffe.

On the day the whole event was attended by over 400 people of varying ages. The village and surrounding area continues to enjoy the legacy of display in the church, the rose gardens tree and village signage, (1200 people in Topcliffe Parish and surrounding area). We have had visitors from as far away as USA and Switzerland. The Magna Carta display is magnificent and the protective case is a work of art and an example of UK craftsmanship as is the notice board. The shield is impressive and draws much comment.

A Parchment Facsimile of Magna Carta (courtesy of the Magna Carta 800th Anniversary Committee and the Magna Carta Barons’ Association) has been framed and is on display at a local school.

800 bulbs were purchased, and have been planted around sites across the village by local school children. A graft from an 800 year old oak tree has also been ordered for the village. A sign at Topcliffe now identifies it as a ‘Magna Carta Village’.

On the day there were historical re-enactments, including displays of falconry, and a LiberTeas hog roast.

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Lord Bingham

Master of the Rolls (1992-1996)

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