01:29UK: See the four original parts of the Magna Carta together for the first time!
The Magna Carta's four remaining original documents were brought together for the first time in London, Monday. The 800-year-old document is a seminal piece of British history and is seen as foundational to the idea of parliamentary democracy.
Signed into law by King John, the document enshrines the idea that nobody is above the law - not even the king. The document further supports the rights of individuals to representation in the courts and a fair trial. It is believed that around 250 documents were drawn up to send to local rulers, of which 17 have survived. The document's drafting followed a rebellion by barons, who seized London after a long-running dispute with the crown. The Magna Carta served at the time as an attempted peace document, which failed to stem the tide of rebellion. It has since been seen as a foundation for constitutions like the US' and in the concept of human rights.
The document is on show at the British Library for three days, before it will be displayed at the House of Lords for a day.
01:29The Magna Carta's four remaining original documents were brought together for the first time in London, Monday. The 800-year-old document is a seminal piece of British history and is seen as foundational to the idea of parliamentary democracy.
Signed into law by King John, the document enshrines the idea that nobody is above the law - not even the king. The document further supports the rights of individuals to representation in the courts and a fair trial. It is believed that around 250 documents were drawn up to send to local rulers, of which 17 have survived. The document's drafting followed a rebellion by barons, who seized London after a long-running dispute with the crown. The Magna Carta served at the time as an attempted peace document, which failed to stem the tide of rebellion. It has since been seen as a foundation for constitutions like the US' and in the concept of human rights.
The document is on show at the British Library for three days, before it will be displayed at the House of Lords for a day.