In 1215, King John of England signed the Magna Carta at Runnymede, near Windsor. This historic document limited the powers of the king and laid the foundations for modern democracy.

Key figures at this event included King John and a group of rebellious barons, including Stephen Langton, the Archbishop of Canterbury. The location, Runnymede, was chosen as a neutral site for negotiations.

The signing of the Magna Carta is considered a turning point in the relationship between the monarchy and the subjects. It was met with mixed reactions, but it ultimately sparked ongoing discussions about rights and governance.

Over the centuries, the Magna Carta has become a symbol of freedom and the rule of law, inspiring future constitutional documents around the world, including the United States Constitution.

Many mistakenly believe that the Magna Carta established democracy; however, it primarily served the interests of the barons at the time, rather than the general populace.

The Great Charter initially had 63 clauses, dealing mainly with feudal rights; however, only a few remain relevant today.

One of the most famous clauses is the guarantee of the 'right to a fair trial', a revolutionary concept in the early 13th century.

There are around 4 known original copies of the Magna Carta, with one of the finest preserved copies housed at the British Library.

What does the Magna Carta mean to you, and how do you think it shaped modern rights and freedoms?