Magna Carta world tour takes in Luxembourg

The UK's Magna Carta is coming on tour to Luxembourg and will be displayed at the European Court of Justice as part of worldwide festivities to celebrate its 800th anniversary.

The seminal legal document was drawn up in 1215 to protect the rights of free English subjects from the then king, John, essentially laying the foundations for the rule of common law. Formally sealed by King John in the presence of his noblemen on the field of Runnymede, on June 15, 1215.

The 1217 copy of the Magna Carta, which will be shown in Luxembourg, was owned for nearly six centuries by Hereford Cathedral, is to travel 65,000 miles, to eight countries and four continues as part of its world tour.

It will be displayed alongside the only surviving copy of the King’s Writ, a letter sent by King John from Runnymede in 1215 to royal officials in each English county, announcing the terms of the Magna Carta.

“I am thrilled to bring this marvellous historical artefact to Luxembourg. It will showcase, at the seat of European Justice, the United Kingdom’s role at the heart of international legal advances and human rights, and our honourable ancient domestic traditions of democracy and rule of law,” said British Ambassador to Luxembourg Alice Walpole,adding: “The principles of Magna Carta remain relevant in today’s world, and elements of it remain enshrined in modern British law.”

Because of security restrictions, the document will not be on public display, however, school visits and special interest groups may make an appointment to visit.

To find out more, visit magnacarta800th.com

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