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The Magna Carta—the First Document to State that a King Was Not Entirely above the Law |
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This copperplate facsimile was made in 1733 from one of the four surviving 1215 originals.
“No free man shall be seized or imprisoned, or stripped of his rights or possessions, or outlawed or exiled, ... nor will we proceed with force against him, or send others to do so, except by the lawful judgement of his equals or by the law of the land….”
MAGNA CARTA.
Copperplate Facsimile on vellum, first edition,
“By Permission of [the] … Trustees of the Cottonian Library. This Plate being a correct Copy of King John’s Great Charter… Sold by J. Pine Engraver...” Text flanked by 25 hand-colored coats of arms of English barons. Heading and dedication panel, and a tail panel containing notes and a representation of King John’s Great Seal. [1733]. 1 p., 20¼ x 29? in.
Inventory #27115.99
Price: $110,000
The Magna Carta, drafted by the Archbishop of Canterbury in 1215, forced King John to agree to protect rebel barons from illegal imprisonment and overtaxation, guaranteeing access to swift and impartial justice and the rights of the church. Violated by both the King and the rebel barons, it was annulled only three months later by Pope Innocent. It was reissued with changes in 1216, 1225, and 1297, when King Edward I confirmed it as part of England’s statute law.
All but three of the Magna Carta’s original statutes have long been repealed. Parts that remain in effect include clauses defending the freedom of the English church, confirming the liberties and customs of the City of London and other towns, and, most famous of all, guaranteeing the right to a writ of habeas corpus, protecting against unlawful imprisonment.
On the night of October 23, 1731, a fire engulfed the Ashburnum House, where the original of this document was temporarily being kept. Though the Great Seal melted into a lump of wax, most of the text remained legible. Pine’s scarce 1733 facsimile was produced from that engrossed original.
