Page 3 Profile: King John, former King of England
The IndependentFor free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. 799 years ago yesterday he was forced to put his seal to the Magna Carta, or Great Charter, a legal document drawn up by a group of powerful barons, which curbed the king’s power, and became the cornerstone of democracy. The creation of Magna Carta marked the first time limits were imposed on a king of England’s powers, making it clear that he was subject to the law, not above it. David Cameron wants to use next year’s 800th anniversary of the document as an opportunity to teach all children “the foundation of all our laws and principles”.
History of this topic
Magna Carta theft: Man charged with attempting to steal 13th century manuscript
The Independent
Ah, the irony of David Cameron invoking the memory of Magna Carta while dismantling our right to privacy
The Independent
Magna Carta: What is it – and why is it still important today?
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