Magna Carta — Attraction in England

The chapter is a part of salisbury Cathedral. from the nave to the right end opposite the chapal of saint michael the archangel. an exit leads to the corridor where cafe/washroom/cloister and Magna carta chapter house. it is an exhibition about Magna Carta. the original copy was displayed in an accessible controlled area. the translation of Magna Carta was convincing. do visit. What is Magna Carta? Magna Carta means ‘great charter’ in Latin. It was agreed by King John on 15 June 1215 as a way of making peace with a group of English barons (noblemen) and church leaders. The barons were protesting against high taxes demanded by King John from the English people to pay for his wars against France.

Magna Carta limited the powers of the monarchy. It said that the King or Queen was subject to the law and could not exploit their position and power to rule just as they wanted to. Magna Carta also stated that individuals had specific rights.

In Magna Carta King John agreed many clauses (promises), not just about taxes, but on many other issues important to the English people in the 1200s. These included: the rights of widows, the seizing of corn and horses, and the standardisation of measures for wine and cloth. Most of the clauses listed in Magna Carta have now been replaced by new laws but two key clauses are still part of English law today. These two clauses assert the rights and freedoms of individual citizens.

Our Magna Carta was delivered to the first Salisbury Cathedral at Old Sarum in 1215, probably by Elias Dereham, who was present when King John agreed Magna Carta. Elias later became a priest at Salisbury Cathedral and oversaw the building of the current Cathedral from 1220 onwards.

Another Salisbury connection with Magna Carta is William Longespée, 3rd earl of Salisbury. He is named in Magna Carta, and was an important English baron. William, and his wife Ela, laid two of the Cathedral’s foundation stones in 1220. courtesy of...

Worth a visit for those interested in history. As it is a religious building you will need to keep this in mind for your visit, and there may be moments of prayer throughout the day and services on specific days so plan your visit in advance.

The Magna Carta itself is protected in a small enclosed room which you enter via a curtain. No photographs of the document are allowed, which is to preserve the artefact for future generations of visitors. You may however take a photo of the image of the page on the outer wall of the enclosed area.

The document itself is remarkably well preserved, and the writing is immaculate and impressive to look at. Around the room are features about how it was made, the influence it had at the time, and the ongoing impact of what it started on various parts of the modern world.

Accessibility is good with an accessible toilet. In the main cathedral, some wheelchairs might struggle on the angle of the ramps in one or two places - my powerchair was briefly stuck due to this and only made it up the ramp with the help of a couple of...

During my visit to Cathedral, got a chance to visit the exhibition of The Magna Carta Chapter House and found it an excellent experience. It is included in your Cathedral ticket. The chapter house is a round beautiful and historic building which is very well maintained and provides you an interesting glimpse of past. Magna Carta is a document from 1215 and it's one of the original copy still saved here. The building was a master piece itself with very interesting details and walls full of stories. Staff was very friendly and knowledgeable. All staff was was well trained to let you know the history of the chapter house and the Magna Carta itself. Overall, highly recommend visiting the Magna Carta Chapter House for anyone...