Rare documents, books and manuscripts in Lincolnshire’s Great Exhibition

Lincolnshire’s Great Exhibition celebrates the rich history of the county through a wealth of artefacts and works of art, and particularly through a range of rare documents, books and manuscripts. Here is just a glimpse:

Alongside the permanent display of Lincoln Cathedral’s 1215 Magna Carta and Charter of the Forest (1217) in the David PJ Ross Magna Carta Vault at Lincoln Castle, there is a 1225 Magna Carta. On loan from The National Archives, this is a third, revised version of Magna Carta issued by King John’s son, Henry III, in 1225.This is often referred to as the ‘definitive edition’, as it had more status and authority than previous versions. Archbishop Stephen Langton (1150 – 1228), himself a Lincolnshire man, was instrumental in the creation of the 1225 charter and was responsible for its longevity. He ensured that a preamble was included which made Magna Carta applicable to all people in the kingdom – free and unfree.

Two documents on display in The Collection, on loan from the Parliamentary Archives, demonstrate the legal legacy of Magna Carta. Habeas Corpus Act, a rolled parchment document, was passed by the Parliament of England in 1679, and is still in effect today. The Habeas Corpus Act protects against the unlawful or arbitrary detention of people by the authorities and provides the courts with the powers to examine the legality of such an imprisonment.

The Declaration of Rights was written in 1689 following the abdication of James II and prior to William III and Mary II taking the throne. The Declaration of Rights formed the basis of The Bill of Rights; the Act which established the supremacy of parliament over the monarchy.

In the Wren Library, at Lincoln Cathedral, the exhibition includes the Chapter Bible of Lincoln Cathedral, part 2, from around 1100, loaned by Trinity College, Cambridge. This beautiful illuminated bible in two volumes, (part 1 is owned by Lincoln Cathedral), was created not long after the consecration of Lincoln Cathedral in 1092. The earliest English illustrated Romanesque Bible, it remained in the medieval library until the seventeenth century when the second volume of the Chapter Bible left Lincoln for Cambridge.

Two talks on Thursday 13 August form part of the Great Exhibition’s lecture programme –

Dr Jessica Nelson, from The National Archives, will look at the differences between the 1215 and 1225 versions of Magna Carta, and David Prior, from the Parliamentary Archives, will examine the relationship between Magna Carta and Parliament from 1215 to the present day.

The lecture will take place at The Collection, Lincoln, beginning at 7.00pm. Bookings in advance by calling 01522 782040, £12 per place.