Magna Carta at 800

2015 is, amongst other things, the 800th anniversary of the Magna Carta; arguably the founding document of democracy in Britain.

King John signs the Magna Carta - an 1864 Woodcut.
Picture Credit - The Guardian

You could, of course, argue that it is less important than is sometimes thought.

Either way, the document itself is the result of an argument between a pretty terrible King, John, and his nobles.

The Magna Carta restricted for the first time the power of the King to do what he liked; all of a sudden his power was limited by law.

There is plenty of material out there for the interested:
The Wikipedia page is here. The celebratory 800-anniversary web-page is here.

A close-up of the Magna Carta itself.
Picture Credit - The Guardian.

I'd also suggest checking out a BBC Radio show about the historical events leading up to the Magna Carta.

You'll find the web-page on the BBC site here.