Today marks the 802nd anniversary of the Magna Carta, a monumental moment in British history and a document that still retains its relevance to this day.
The excesses and abuses of the monarchy were curtailed by this document, which demanded the acknowledgement of the rights of the English nobility.
“To no one will we sell, to no one deny or delay right or justice.”
In a period of turmoil, rebellion among the landed gentry was ever present in England, and in 1215, on the advice of Archbishop Langton, the English Barons rose up in rebellion.
Faced with certain defeat and on the back of losses in France, King John – albeit begrudgingly – agreed to sign this charter of liberties.
This moment in history had enormous consequences, and in 2017, English law still retains the traditions and practices outlined in the Magna Carta.
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