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Eight centuries ago this June King John issued a peace treaty in an attempt to mollify a group of rebel barons. Though not entirely successful, the Magna Carta has remained of political and legal importance to England ever since, and the British Library holds two original manuscripts of the document. As well as displaying the texts themselves, the exhibition explores the story of this influential agreement and the changing attitudes towards it over the last 800 years. Other key documents in the show include an original copy of the US Bill of Rights and Thomas Jefferson's handwritten text of the Declaration of Independence.
A wider Magna Carta programme will take place at the British Library throughout 2015, involving public events, a learning programme and a large-scale art commission. Visit the British Library website to find out more.