Magna Carta in the Thirteenth Century

Join Jessica Nelson, Head of Collections Expertise & Engagement at The National Archives, to celebrate the 800th anniversary of 1225 issue of Magna Carta, and find out more about the history and legacy of this iconic document.

Jessica will explore how Magna Carta overcame its faltering start in 1215 to influence the political landscape throughout the reign of Henry III and beyond. The charter, which originally sought to limit the powers of the king and protect baronial rights, was reissued several times during Henry III’s reign, each iteration reinforcing its importance and adapting to the changing political climate.

The talk will include an exploration of the role of Simon de Montfort in the history of Magna Carta. De Montfort was a charismatic and controversial figure who rebelled against Henry, his own brother-in-law, in the bloody Barons’ War. De Montfort’s reissue of Magna Carta at his 1265 parliament was perhaps the zenith of his achievements – but within six months he was dead on the battlefield at Evesham.