Commoners Invoked Magna Carta
Administrative system, Archbishop Stephen Langton, barons, boroughs, British Commonwealth, Bruton School, Charter, church, cities, commoners, commonwealth, Crown, crusades, feudal system, free trial, Great Charter (1215), human rights, inspeximus copy, judicial system, justice, King John (r.1199-1216), law, legal judgement, liberty, Library Committee, Lincoln Cathedral, Magna Carta, medieval law, medieval people, merchants, National Library, parliament, Professor Murdoch, rights, Robert Fitzwalter (d.1235), subjects, towns, trial by ordeal, United States, villein, weights and measures, William de Braioise
In this article rebutting criticisms levelled at the Australian Government for its decision to purchase an inspeximus copy (1297) of Magna Carta in 1952, the author begins by reminding readers that the important medieval document would be placed on display in the National Library, where it could be viewed by members of the public. He goes on to explain the significance of Magna Carta, stating that it did not function merely to protect the rights of barons as was often thought, but also those of ‘the Church, merchants, cities, towns and boroughs’. Additionally, he continues, it set up a judicial and administrative system and established precedents to guarantee the liberty of all subjects. Examples are then provided to support the author’s claim that medieval people recognised the wider remit of Magna Carta, including that of a villein who invoked the Charter to sue a Prior and a tenant’s widow who invoked it against an Earl.
Kim E. Beazley, M.H.R.
The West Australian
The West Australian
13 September 1952, p 2.
National Library of Australia
Newspaper Article
English
Magna Carta
Angevin Kings, anniversary, British Museum, Charter, citizens, classroom, law, constitution, legal, constitutional law, Dover Castle, fair trial, Great Charter (1215), Great Seal, King John (r.1199-1216), Lincoln Cathedral, Magna Carta, medieval law, medieval statute, Norman Kings, Runnimede, Salisbury Cathedral, school lessons, significance, State high schools, statute, Rule of Law
On the seven hundred and twentieth anniversary of the first issue of Magna Carta (in 1215), this article in the Western Mail outlines the charter’s significance for English history and notes that special lessons had been delivered in Australian State high schools in recognition of its importance. The article begins by suggesting that the Great Charter differed only in degree from the previous charters of Norman and Angevin Kings, but then goes on to draw particular attention to the Magna Carta’s role in outlining the mutual obligations of the King and his feudal vassals, in removing weirs from rivers to facilitate inland transport, and in affording to all classes of freemen the right to a fair trial. The article also describes the location and state of the four surviving copies of the charter bearing the Great Seal of King John, including two in the British Museum and one each in the Lincoln and Salisbury Cathedrals.
Anon.
National Library of Australia
The West Australian
15 June 1935, p. 11
The West Australian
Newspaper Article
English