Lincoln Castle has become the only place in the world where it’s possible to see, side by side, three of the most important documents in British legal history.
To celebrate the 800th anniversary of the 1225 Charter of the Forest, visitors are invited to see the 1225 charter, the 1215 Magna Carta and 1217 Forest Charter.
The legendary Magna Carta declared that kings had to act within the rule of law, its equally important companion document, the Charter of the Forest, reclaimed land for use by ordinary people.
Cllr Lindsey Cawrey, above, executive councillor for culture at Lincolnshire County Council, said: “The legacy of Magna Carta, as a symbol of liberty and the rule of law, is well known. Less so, the Charter of the Forest, which, in re-establishing the rights of ordinary people to access swathes of common land, became of one of the earliest examples of the establishment of fundamental rights, privileges and economic protection for freemen.
“I am proud that Lincoln Castle is the only place in the world where these international icons of law and fundamental human rights can be seen side by side. I hope that people take this fantastic opportunity to see them.”
The three documents are on display until 1 June 2025 in the David P J Ross Magna Carta Vault.
