One of the most influential documents in Lincoln and Britain’s history, the Magna Carta, will be on a special display in London early next year.
Only four original versions of the Magna Carta, the 1215 agreement between English nobles and King John, exist today and they will all be displayed side by side at the British Library in London on 3 February 2015.
The one day only event will be open to 1,215 visitors who will be selected through a ballot. You can now submit your name here if you want to be one of the lucky ones.
Winners of the ballot will be given a once-in-a-lifetime chance to view the four 800 year old manuscripts, and will also be given a special introduction to the history and legacy of the Magna Carta from historian and TV presenter Dan Jones.
The event is a result of a partnership between the British Library, Lincoln Cathedral and Salisbury Cathedral. Claire Breay, the Head of Medieval Manuscripts at the British Library, the Very Reverend Philip Buckler, Dean of Lincoln, and the Very Reverend June Osborne, Dean of Salisbury, released this joint statement:
“Most people are familiar with what happened in the year 1066, but not as many would recognise 1215 – the year in which the Magna Carta was created.
“This event is about celebrating the 800th birthday of one of the most influential documents in the world, by bringing together the four manuscripts which are the original evidence of the agreement made at Runnymede in 1215.
“We’re looking forward to welcoming the winners of the public ballot into the British Library on 3 February to mark this moment in history with us, and we’d urge anyone who isn’t one of the lucky guests to get involved in the many other exhibitions and events happening across the UK and the world to mark this anniversary during 2015.”
The British Library will run the full exhibition ‘Magna Carta: Law, Liberty, Legacy’ 12 March to 1 September 2015.
On 1 April 2015 the new “Magna Carta: Power, Justice and Accountability” visitor attraction will open in the new Magna Carta Vault at Lincoln Castle, as part of a £22m restoration.