British Library Magna Carta ballot is live!

The British Library, Lincoln Cathedral and Salisbury Cathedral have come together to unite the four original manuscripts of the 1215 Magna Carta for one day only next year.

To celebrate the 800^th anniversary of the sealing of Magna Carta the four original copies of this influential document will displayed together on 3^rd February 2015, and 1,215 people will be chosen by a ballot to have the unique opportunity to see the four manuscripts at the British Library.

Magna Carta, created by King John and his Barons in 1215, has become a symbol of liberty and the cornerstone of constitutional law. Although almost all of the clauses have been repealed in modern times the document established a number of important principles that remain in place and have been copied around the world.

Julian Harrison, Curator of Early Modern Manuscripts at the British Library said, “It established for the first time that nobody – not even the king – was above the law, and it contains certain principles relating to individual liberties which still remain relevant today.  Nobody can be imprisoned or detained indefinitely without being put on trial”.

This will be the first time in history the four documents will be seen together.

Following the event the four manuscripts will be separated and displayed as part of the 800^th anniversary celebrations. Lincoln Cathedral’s Magna Carta will become the centrepiece in the new Magna Carta Vault opening at Lincoln Castle on April 1^st 2015.

The free ballot is open until 31 October – see the British Library website for details on how to enter.