Lord Cormack’s monthly message

One of our key aims is to ensure that the story of Magna Carta, and of its significance as one of the key documents in our history, becomes known to all who visit Lincoln in 2015, and especially to all who study in our schools, colleges, and universities.

So we decided to invite one of our finest and best known actors to read Magna Carta, and to produce a recording of his reading.

Robert Hardy, known around the world for his portrayal of Winston Churchill, came to Lincoln on 22 August and in the fine broadcasting studios at Lincoln University read the authorised translation of the document sealed by King John at Runnymede on 15 June 1215.

He began, and ended, with the Latin words actually used on that historic day. The recording is magnificent. It will be available on disc in advance of our 2015 celebrations – and throughout that year.

I hope to have more exciting news next month.