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Magna Carta Facts

Interesting Facts

  • Want to know all about the Magna Carta? Follow us and we’ll tell you all the fun facts!
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    The Magna Carta is the basis of law and civil rights in every democracy in the world since 1215.
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    Magna Carta means The Great Charter. More elegant and less pretentious than its original name The Great Charter of the Liberties of England.
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    No one actually signed the Magna Carta. King John affixed his royal seal to it on June 15, 1215 at Runnymede, England.
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    King John was the great-grandson of William the Conqueror and the younger brother of King Richard the Lionheart!
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    In addition to King Richard, King John had two other brothers. They were the ‘poster children’ for sibling rivalry. Talk about bad blood!
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  • Remember the original fax paper? Should have used parchment. Magna Carta did, and it is still completely legible almost 800 years later.
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    What is written in the Magna Carta? Hard to say as it is written in medieval Latin. Follow along and we will translate for you.
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    No one is above the law. Not even a king. You can thank the Magna Carta for that!
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    No one can be held without cause. Thank you again Magna Carta!
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    A widow could not be forced to marry her husband’s brother. HUGE thank you Magna Carta!
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    More women’s rights in the Magna Carta: A woman could not lose her home before receiving her inheritance. In 1215, quite a big deal!
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  • How do you reign in a King? See the Magna Carta!
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    Magna Carta was really a peace treaty between King John and a group of rebellious Barons furious about over-taxation. Hmm. Tea Party anyone?
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    Seal this or else! Resistance was futile. King John had no choice but to agree to the Barons’ demands.
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    King John vs. the Barons. King John had an army; the Barons had a piece of parchment. The quill really is mightier than the sword!
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    Wondering why King John seems familiar? Perhaps the legend of Robin Hood may jog your memory!
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    Robin Hood stole from the rich and gave to the poor. Too bad he was as real as Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny!
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