In 1225, a slightly slimmed down version of Magna Carta and the Charter of the Forest (both first issued a decade earlier) were confirmed by Henry III. 800 years on, we are remembering and celebrating these iconic documents, but why are they important? Are they anything more than symbolic? This talk is part of Firsts London 2025 and will examine what they meant for people in the medieval period and explore their legacy in the twenty-first century, notably their continued significance for justice, human rights and the environment.

Professor Anthony Musson is head of research at Historic Royal Palaces, leading the project on Tudor royal progresses, 'Henry VIII on Tour: Landscapes, Communities and Performance'. He is author of Medieval Law in Context: the Growth of Legal Consciousness from Magna Carta to the Peasants' Revolt and contributed to Magna Carta: The Foundation of Freedom, 1215-2015. Anthony is variously qualified as an historian, musician and lawyer. He was Professor of Legal History at the University of Exeter and has appeared on TV and radio and published extensively on legal, political, and visual culture in the medieval and early modern periods. He is a fellow of the Royal Historical Society and the Society of Antiquaries of London.

 

The Society of Antiquaries of London will be holding a groundbreaking, free exhibition to celebrate the 800th anniversary of the Magna Carta from 23rd July to 19th September 2025. 

This talk will take place in the Talks Space on the top floor of the Saatchi Gallery.