Treason? The Trial of the Magna Carta Barons
Westminster Hall, Friday 31st July 2015, 6pm
On the 31st July 2015, Westminster Hall, the Magna Carta Barons were charged with Treason for their involvement in the sealing of Magna Carta in 1215.
A unanimous verdict of ‘Not Guilty’ was returned by the Hon. Justice Stephen Breyer, Lord Neuberger, President of the UK Supreme Court, and Dame Sian Elias, Chief Justice of New Zealand. You can see the full video of the Trial and verdict by clicking here, or watching above.
Circa 800 members of the public and other distinguished guests including the Commonwealth Serjeants at Arms attended the Trial. Westminster Hall was filled to capacity, and some music was performed by the Barclay Ensemble.
The Final Judgements:
Download the judgement of Lord Neuberger
Download the judgement of Hon. Justice Stephen Breyer
Download the judgement of Dame Sian Elias
Cast List:
Gavin Esler: Narrator
Derek Allan: Court Usher
James Eadie QC: Prosecution
Nathalie Lieven QC: Defence
Clive Anderson: King John
Lord Judge: William Marshal
Lord Lisvane: Archbishop Stephen Langton
Professor David Carpenter: Robert FitzWalter, representing the Magna Carta Barons.
The Production Team:
Sir Robert Worcester KBE DL, Executive Producer, and Chairman of the 800th Committee
David McBride: Producer
Jenny Rowe CB, Chief Executive of the Supreme Court
Mark Gill: Executive Director, 800th Committee
Ben Wilson, Head of Communications, UK Supreme Court.
Gallery:
All images in this album (c) Kevin Leighton
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- Westminster Hall.
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- Westminster Hall.
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- The Barclay Ensemble
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- Derek Allen, Court Usher. (c) Kevin Leighton
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- Sir Robert Worcester, Chairman of the Magna Carta 800th Anniversary Committee.
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- From left to right: Clive Anderson, Lord Neuberger, Sir Robert Worcester KBE DL.
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- Lord McNally with Lord Dyson, Master of the Rolls, and Chairman of the Magna Carta Trust.
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- From left to right: Justice Breyer, Lord Neuberger, and Dame Sian Ellis.
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- All stand for the Commonwealth Serjeants at Arms.
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- Treason? The Mock Trial of the Magna Carta Barons
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- Derek Allen, Court Usher.
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- From left to right: Justice Stephen Breyer, Lord Neuberger, and Dame Sian Ellis.
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- James Eadie QC, for the Prosecution.
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- Nathalie Lieven QC, for the Defence.
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- Lord Judge played the role of ‘greatest knight’, William Marshal
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- Lord Judge played the role of ‘greatest knight’, William Marshal
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- Clive Anderson, King John
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- Clive Anderson, King John
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- Prof. David Carpenter, Baron FitzWalter.
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- Clive Anderson, King John
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- The Hall was filled to capacity.
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- Prof. David Carpenter, Baron FitzWalter.
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- Clive Anderson, and Prof. David Carpenter
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- Prof. David Carpenter, Baron FitzWalter.
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- Lord Lisvane played Stephen Langton,l Archbishop of Canterbury
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- Lord Lisvane played Stephen Langton,l Archbishop of Canterbury
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- Prof. David Carpenter, Baron FitzWalter.
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- James Eadie QC, Prosecution.
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- Nathalie Lieven QC, Defence.
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- The judges pass verdict.
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- A verdict of ‘Not Guilty’ was passed.
Featured Article
Sir Anthony Clarke
Master of the Rolls (2005-2009)
Magna Carta, or as it is properly called the Great Charter of Liberty, was born on 15 June 1215 at Runnymede when King John – Bad King John as he is more commonly known – was persuaded to accede to a number of demands made...
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