Please explain the Magna Carta
Inspeximus issue of Magna Carta, 1297
Parliament House Art Collection, Department of Parliamentary Services
Inspeximus issue of Magna Carta, 1297
Parliament House Art Collection, Department of Parliamentary Services
Description
The Magna Carta was important in the development of democracy and has influenced many other documents including the Australian Constitution. This 1297 copy of the Magna Carta is displayed at Australian Parliament House. The 1297 Inspeximus issue of the Magna Carta is a rectangular document which is covered in small writing. The text is written in Latin on parchment, and the document features the royal seal of King Edward I.
Permission for publication must be sought from Parliament House Art Collection. Contact DPS Art Services, phone: 02 62775034 or 02 62775123
The first version of the Magna Carta, or ‘Great Charter’, was written in 1215 as a peace treaty between King John of England and his barons. It established the principle that all people, including the King, had rights and responsibilities under the law.
A copy of the 1297 Magna Carta is held at Parliament House.