Thatcham to join Magna Carta celebrations this evening (Monday)

Events to mark 800th anniversary of historic document

THATCHAM will be joining national events to mark the 800th anniversary of Magna Carta.

The document, which means Great Charter, is viewed as being fundamental towards the birth of British democracy as it safeguarded the rights, privileges and liberties of King John’s subjects; provided they were clergy or nobles.

It also placed limits on the power of the crown.

King John was forced into sealing the document by his rebellious barons at Runnymead on June 15, 1215, but by August it had been annulled by Pope Innocent III.

The idea that the king was above the law took root, however, and the belief of individual freedoms has endured to this day.

Thatcham Town Council will mark the anniversary with a display in St Mary’s Church, along with a talk from Sue Ellis of Thatcham Historical Society, between 4.30pm and 6.30pm on Monday, June 15.

Local schoolchildren will also be taking part in a competition to design their own royal seals.