Until 2 November 2025, see the only surviving 1216 Magna Carta, along with issues from 1225 and 1300, and three Forest Charters in Durham Cathedral Museum.
The rare documents are on display as part of a new exhibition, Magna Carta and the North, alongside contemporary artworks and interactive installations throughout the cathedral that tell the story of these 800-year-old documents which are still a powerful symbol of social justice in the world today.
How do I see the Magna Cartas?
You can see these historic documents in the Museum. Entry is £7.50 for adults and free for under 18s and essential companions.
What else is part of the exhibition?
There are artworks and interactive installations all around the cathedral, in the Galilee Chapel, Nave and Chapter House. You don't need a ticket to view these installations. See full details below.
Are there any events?
As part of the exhibition, we have a series of events, tours and talks including Luxmuralis 'The Storytellers' later this year
What else is on display for Magna Carta and the North?
To celebrate the anniversary there are a number of contemporary artworks and interactive installations throughout the cathedral.
Three temporary installations are on display around Durham Cathedral - in the Galilee Chapel, Nave and Chapter House. You don't need a ticket to view these installations as part of the Magna Carta in the North exhibition - see them freely as you explore the cathedral.
Events Programme
What to expect when you visit Magna Carta and the North?
As you walk through the North Doors and into the Galilee Chapel, you will see huge voiles printed with 'stained glass' style depictions of the Magna Carta story, before you walk past the Visitor Desk and into the Nave. At the Visitor Desk you will be able to buy tickets to the Museum to see the Magna Cartas if you haven't already purchased them online. In the Nave, you will see projections on the floor, which is the artwork 'The Words That Bind Us' by Nicola Anthony. These words will ripple as you walk through them, with the opportunity to add to this artwork after seeing Magna Cartas in the Museum.
You can explore around the cathedral at your leisure. Exit the South Doors into the Cloisters and from here, you can go up to the Museum, where you can see Durham Cathedral in LEGO, before you begin your museum experience. You will need a ticket to the Museum before you go further into the Museum and view Magna Carta.
Upon entry to the Museum, you will be shown a short film created by NOVAK, which will transport you on a journey through medieval Britain, before walking into the Collections Gallery, where you can get upclose to the three Magna Cartas and three Charters of the Forest.
Look out for the key details on the document, as you read all about the Magna Carta on the boards. From here, exit the gallery and go through the Great Kitchen, where you can see the relics of Saint Cuthbert.
As you exit the Great Kitchen, you will have the opportunity to choose a word or phrase that you would like to add to a Modern Charter. These words or phrases will then be projected on the 'Words That Bind Us' art installation in the Nave.
You will then exit through the Cloisters, and then make your way to the Chapter House, where you will see a small exhibition about how Magna Carta connects to the Christian faith. You can also view this space if you choose not to buy a ticket to the Museum. You are welcome to pause here and light a candle or take away a free prayer card.
Photos by: Ash Mills and Jake Husband
Magna Cartas at Durham Cathedral
What is the Magna Carta?
Magna Carta, the ‘Great Charter’, has been described as the most famous document in English history and a cornerstone of modern democracy. First issued in 1215, it was the first document that put into writing that the king and his government were not above the law, in order to prevent the king from exploiting his power. With three clauses from the 1225 Magna Carta still in force today, the document remains a cornerstone of British democracy.
When were the Magna Cartas and Charters of the Forest last on display?
The items are rarely on display to help preserve them for future generations to see, they were last on display in the summer of 2017 when almost 19,000 people came to see them over an 11-week period.
Why does Durham Cathedral have three Magna Cartas?
Durham Cathedral holds an extensive medieval archive, and although the monastery was dissolved in 1539 the cathedral continued, meaning most of the archive survived.
The Magna Carta and the Charter of the Forest were distributed to sheriffs and bishops, to be read out in public so new laws could be spread among the people. As Durham was a County Palatine, meaning the Bishop could exercise royal powers outside the authority of the crown, the archivists here were very aware of English laws and encouraged good record keeping.
Many cathedrals just kept the most recent version of Charters and disposed of earlier, outdated issues, but at Durham they were carefully stored away for future reference.
