The image below is similar to what I saw. There were several copies of the original Magna Carta written and signed by King John (of Robin Hood fame) in 1215.This one is at the British Public Library. The one that I saw is from a church in England. It is only one side of a piece of paper that is maybe 12 inches by 12 inches or smaller. I think it was in Latin--not a language I could read. The Magna Carta is the first time in history that citizens of a government had stood up and demanded their rights. King John was forced to sign this and acknowledge that there were personal rights that a government had to respect. It set the stage for the Declaration of Independence more than 500 years later.
It was such a privilege to stand in front of this amazing document that has had such an impact on history. Even though I couldn't read it, I knew the powerful words and messages that it contained.
I was not as impressed with the quilt exhibit, but that was due to my own personal preference rather than anything with the exhibit itself. I like beautiful quilts that show artistic flair. The quilts in this exhibit were especially chosen for their eye-popping use of color, some of which I liked and some that I didn't like so much. Here is a sampling:
2 comments:
Thanks for reminding me about the Magna Carta. I descend from King John, and would like to see it. I'm disappointed to learn it is a copy, but excited that the King's signature is real. The quilt exhibit isn't what I expected either, but I'm happy to see a nice example of Hawaiian quilting. I learned how to do this in Honolulu last year.
They don't talk about an original--only copies. My guess is that several copies were made and signed--one for King John and the others for some of the other men to remind him of what he agreed to. I'm not sure there was really an "original". Cool that you are descended from King John
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