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The Magna Carta, drafted by the Archbishop of Canterbury in 1215, was annulled only three months later by Pope Innocent. It was reissued with changes in 1216, 1225, and 1297, when King Edward I confirmed it as part of England’s statute law. All but three of its original statutes have long been repealed. The most famous provision still in effect guarantees the right to habeas corpus, protection against unlawful imprisonment.
On the night of October 23, 1731, a fire engulfed the Ashburnham House, where the original of this document was temporarily being kept. Though the Great Seal melted into a lump of wax, most of the text remained legible. This copperplate facsimile was made in 1733 from one of the four surviving 1215 originals.
Translated Excerpts:
“… TO ALL FREE MEN OF OUR KINGDOM we have also granted, for us and our heirs forever, all the liberties written out below, to have and to keep for them and their heirs …
(4) The guardian of the land of an heir who is under age shall take from it only reasonable revenues, customary dues, and feudal services. He shall do this without destruction or damage to men or property. …
(7) At her husband’s death, a widow may have her marriage portion and inheritance at once and without trouble…. She may remain in her husband’s house for forty days after his death, and within this period her dower shall be assigned to her.
(8) No widow shall be compelled to marry, so long as she wishes to remain without a husband. But she must give security that she will not marry without royal consent…
(39) No free man shall be seized or imprisoned, or stripped of his rights or possessions, or outlawed or exiled, ... nor will we proceed with force against him, or send others to do so, except by the lawful judgement of his equals or by the law of the land…. To no one will we sell, to no one deny or delay right or justice.”
★ [MAGNA CARTA]. Copperplate Facsimile on vellum, first edition, “By Permission of [the] … Trustees of the Cottonian Library. This Plate being a correct Copy of King John’s Great Charter… Sold by J. Pine Engraver...” Text flanked by 25 hand-colored coats of arms of English barons. Heading and dedication panel, and a tail panel containing notes and a representation of King John’s Great Seal. [1733]. #27115.99