Centuries-old documents on display for first time

Three of the most important documents in English legal history have gone on display together at Lincoln Castle.

The exhibition includes the Magna Carta, dating from 1215; the Charter of the Forest from 1217 and an amended version of the latter written in 1225.

The Magna Carta, signed by King John, was the first attempt to limit the absolute power of the monarch through a decree that they had to act within the rule of law.

The Forest Charter re-established rights of access to the royal forest that had been eroded by William the Conqueror and his heirs.

The royal forest once covered about one-third of the land of southern England, which led to disputes when commoners were trying to farm it.

The documents are seen as the basis of many English laws.

Subsequent versions of the Magna Carta were issued in 1216, 1217 and 1225 and placed limits on royal authority by establishing law as a power in itself.

The display, in a subterranean vault at the castle, has been put together to celebrate the 800th anniversary of the 1225 Magna Carta and is currently the only place in the world where all three documents can be viewed together.

Lindsey Cawrey, from Lincolnshire County Council, said: "The legacy of Magna Carta, as a symbol of liberty and the rule of law, is well known.

"Less so, the Charter of the Forest, which, in re-establishing the rights of ordinary people to access swathes of common land, became of one of the earliest examples of the establishment of fundamental rights, privileges and economic protection for freemen."

The documents are on show until 1 June.

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