2025 marks the 800th anniversary of the sealing of the 1225 version of Magna Carta, making this an important moment to reflect on its enduring impact and legacy.
The Road to Magna Carta
In History Hit’s new documentary series, Magna Carta, Dan Snow and Professor Michael Livingstone explore the seismic shifts in medieval power that culminated in one of history’s most pivotal moments.
The first episode sees Professor Michael Livingston heads to France to explore the continental side of the Magna Carta story – why did Magna Carta get written in the first place?
Watch NowFollowing the first part of this series, in which Michael Livingston investigated the devastating loss of King John’s lands in France and defeat at the Battle of Bouvines, Dan Snow picks up the story in one of the most turbulent years in English history: 1215.
Why was there a 1225 version?
Originally issued by King John in 1215, Magna Carta was a charter that guaranteed the liberties and rights of his subjects, critically placing the Crown under the authority of the law. Whilst the 1215 Magna Carta is rightly celebrated as the original ‘Great Charter’, the initial document ultimately failed. Within weeks of its agreement, King John swiftly reneged on his granting of the Magna Carta, asking Pope Innocent III for permission to reject it on the grounds that he had been forced to sign it. The pontiff agreed and annulled the document, sparking the outbreak of the First Barons’ War.
However, following King John’s death in October 1216, his young son Henry became king and modified versions of Magna Carta were reissued shortly after in his name, laying the groundwork for a legal document that could truly influence contemporary events and help restore peace.
It was the 1225 reissue of Magna Carta that was pivotal – for the first time, King Henry III was considered old enough to make a personal commitment to rule in accordance with the rules set out in Magna Carta. Issued in his own name on 11 February 1225, it was this version that became the definitive and lasting Magna Carta, shaping English law for centuries to come.
Magna Carta’s enduring legacy
This groundbreaking document is considered a pivotal step in the evolution of human rights, influencing the framing of constitutions worldwide. Outlining basic rights, Magna Carta established the principle that no one, not even the king, was above the law, and notably outlined the fundamental right to a fair trial.
Since 1225, Magna Carta has proven to be a remarkably resilient and inspirational document, forming the bedrock of the rule of law for future generations. Its influence is evident in foundational legal milestones, including:
- The Petition of Right (1628) and the Habeas Corpus Act (1679)
- The fundamental concept of due process in Anglo-American law
- The Constitution of the USA (1789) and its Bill of Rights (1791)
