John, King of England, was forced to meet his barons. Their quarrels had reached such a state that the barons were determined to make war on their King unless he signed a promise not to interfere with them, nor to ask them for more money and services than the law and custom allowed. The document he sealed was called Magna Carta, The Great Charter.

The Magna Carta seems even more important today than it did in 1215. It has gained importance because those who have fought for liberty and justice against bad rulers have used it as an argument for their causes. The Magna Carta is a foundation stone of our idea of justice and the rule of law. Historian: John Langdon-Davies. The contents of this Jackdaw feature:

• King John (1167-1216)
• Barons and Feudal Lords
• Magna Carta: What it was, and was not
• The Signing of Magna Carta
• King John and History
• England in 1215

• Facsimile of Magna Carta from Lincoln Cathedral.
• Translation of Magna Carta.
• Facsimile of a Charter Roll, 1199.
• Facsimile of a Pipe Roll, 1130.
• Two pages from a Bestiary of the late 12th century.
• King John’s tomb in Worcester Cathedral (photographs).
• Color poster of the Royal Standard from King John’s reign to the present day.
• Costumes at the time of King John.
• Sketch map explaining the story of how King John lost his treasure in the Wash.