A contemporary copy of the 1225 Magna Carta. Society of Antiquaries.
In 1225, a slightly slimmed down version of Magna Carta and the Charter of the Forest (both first issued a decade earlier) were confirmed by Henry III. The current exhibition at the Society of Antiquaries explores the reasons why, 800 years on, these iconic documents are still celebrated.
But why are they important? Are they anything more than symbolic?
This ARTscapades talk by Professor Anthony Musson, head of research at Historic Royal Palaces, will examine what the issuing of these historic documents meant for people in the medieval period and explore their legacy in the twenty-first century, notably their continued significance for justice, human rights and the environment.
Magna Carta 1225 is at the Society of Antiquarties, Burlington House, London, until 19 September 2025. The exhibition is supported by a grant from ARTscapades.
This event will be recorded. Ticket holders are emailed a link to view the recording afterwards which is available for one month. Proceeds from ARTscapades ticket sales benefit museums, galleries and other arts-based organisations and projects.
This is an online event hosted on Zoom which can be watched live with Q&A, or on-demand for one month afterwards. You will receive your link to access the event in your email confirmation and the on-demand link after the event ends.