10.04.2015
MAGNA CARTA AT CHRIST CHURCH – A New Exhibition Launching June 2015
2015 celebrates the 800th anniversary of the signing of Magna Cartaor ‘Great Charter’, one of the most important documents in history, establishing the principle that everyone, even the king, is subject to the law and guaranteeing all subjects the right to a free trial. The effects of this inspiring document are still felt today, whose foundation principles are clearly seen in the 1791 American Bill of Rights and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, penned after the Second World War.
Christ Church Cathedral has announced that as part of the worldwide Magna Carta 800th celebrations they will be putting their own Magna Carta on display. Exclusive to Christ Church Cathedral, this very special 14th century copy of Magna Carta, contained within the cathedral’s Liber Niger or ‘Black Book’, an eclectic mix of literary, theological, administrative and annalistic material created by the Canons of Christ Church, will form the centrepiece of a new, interactive family–friendly crypt exhibition.
Launching in June 2015, the display will explain the significance of Magna Carta from 1215 to the present day, the importance of Christ Church’s special copy and how Magna Carta was, and still is, relevant in Ireland. Find out why Magna Carta was necessary, how Dublin came to be associated with the charter, and discover the surprising link between Magna Carta and one of Irish history’s most famous couples, Strongbow and Aoife.
Alongside this exhibition the cathedral will be organising a series of public events on the theme of human rights with high profile speakers, historical lunchtime lectures, free workshops for schools, calligraphy classes and much more.
Further details will be announced soon.
For more information email magnacarta@christchurch.ie
Christ Church Cathedral is very grateful for funding received from the Magna Carta Trust to assist in the creation of this exhibition. The Magna Carta Trust’s 800th Anniversary Committee is charged by the Magna Carta Trust to co–ordinate activities, raise the profile of the anniversary and deliver a number of key national and international aspirations. For more information, visit www.magnacarta800th.com.