Magna Carta
The Magna Carta was drawn up in the year 1215 during the reign of King John. A group of barons joined together in rebellion against the rights of the King, and in particular against the high taxes demanded by John, who had spent large amounts of money on unsuccessful attempts to defend his land in Normandy. Their demands went in to creating the 'Articles of the Barons' from which the Magna Carta was created.
Four copies were made, two of which are in the British Library. The other two are kept at Lincoln and Salisbury cathedrals.
The Magna Carta was the first example of the use of a written document in an attempt to curb the power of the monarch. It was renewed throughout the Middle Ages and the Early Modern period and played an important role in the development of constitutional law.
The stamp below was released in July 1999 as part of The Citizens' Tale stamp issue.
- Illustration
Magna Carta stamp, July 1999
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