Magna Carta and the North saw the only surviving 1216 Magna Carta, along with issues from 1225 and 1300, and three Forest Charters on display in Durham Cathedral Museum.
The rare documents were on display along with contemporary artworks and interactive installations that could be seen throughout the cathedral.
Celebrating the 800th anniversary of the 1225 issue of Magna Carta, alongside the immersive art installations, the exhibition offered a rare opportunity to reflect on timeless values such as accountability of leaders, protection of the vulnerable and equality.
What is 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.
Marie-Therese, our Collections and Exhibitions Officer explains more in this video:
A closer look a the exhibition
Photos by: Ash Mills, Jake Husband, Gavin Selby
Installations around the cathedral
To celebrate the anniversary, there were three temporary installations on display around Durham Cathedral - in the Galilee Chapel, Nave and Chapter House. You could see them freely as you explored the cathedral. Read more on the installations below.
The Events Programme
Alongside the art installations, we also hosted a varied programme of events. From talks and debates to behind-the- scenes tours and family activities - for the four months the exhibition ran, it allowed visitors the opportunity to delve deeper into the Magna Carta story, with something for all age ranges.
Magna Carta Secret Spaces
Throughout the four months there were exclusive tours of the Cathedral’s secret spaces which are rarely open to the general public.
The tours began at the Chapter House, and ventured into the monastic prison cell with the opportunity to see some of the rarest books from the cathedral collections, alongside a facsimile copy of the Magna Carta in the Refectory Library. Plus private access to the Magna Carta and the North exhibition to see the rare documents.
Magna Carta Uncovered with Marie-Thérèse, Exhibitions & Collections Officer
In this special talk with Marie-Thérèse, Exhibitions & Collections Officer, visitors discovered how these documents came to Durham, and what they meant for the people of the North East and their daily lives. As well as a deep dive into the issues that were on display and in our collections; including the only surviving issue from 1216, and further issues from 1225 and 1300.
The Storytellers by Luxmuralis
For five nights the cathedral was transformed, with The Storytellers a light and sound installation created by artistic collaboration ‘Luxmuralis’.
The experience brought stories to life, as visitors walked through ancient texts and became immersed in the realms of famous author’s imaginations. Exploring the world of romance and fantasy, to poetry and legends, and seeing iconic children’s classics step into the spotlight.
Magna Carta and its influence today: A Durham Cathedral Institute debate
In this Durham Cathedral Institute debate, the panel discussed Magna Carta’s origins, its importance over time and its continuing contemporary relevance today.
The debate saw schools from across the county hear an accessible introduction to a significant part of the UK’s legal history and its importance for the North East, with time set aside for Q&A's from young people and the public audience.
Family Activities
Over the summer holidays, there was a range of activities for children of all ages to explore looking at the story and themes of Magna Carta.
- Local storyteller and writer Elizabeth Baker brought history to life with her original and thought-provoking tales.
- Children could get creative, designing and making their own wax seal
- All ages could pick up a free Magna Carta activity leaflet from the Visitor Desk, filled with puzzles and challenges linking the story of Magna Carta to the world today
- Families were invited to step into the river of words with The Words That Bind Us art lightwork projected onto the cathedral floor
Caring for our Collections
We care for an extensive medieval archive here at Durham Cathedral and the Magna Cartas and Forest Charters are some of the most remarkable documents within it.
As the exhibition has now closed, these fragile documents have once again gone into storage to allow them to 'rest' and be carefully looked after as they have been for the last 800 years. Hear more from Marie-Therese, our Collections and Exhibitions Officer, on how we care for these incredible documents when they are not on display:
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.
