King John Signs the Magna Carta

In the year 1215 King John harshly ruled.
The Nobles revolted at treatment so cruel.
Runnymeade saw him sign Magna Carta by name
Which said lest there's cause, your king will be tame.

Click Here to Listen -- Once the audio clip starts, minimize it so you can see the words at the same time.

Carol's Comments: This event is really an important one. Before this, English Kings were above the law. In fact, their wishes basically were the law. The Barons grew tired of the abuses and when they had their chance they pressured King John (yes the same one in Disney's movie "Robin Hood") to sign this historic document. While this document mostly benefitted nobility, it was a landmark moment, which declared that even the King could be bound to law sometimes. Over time, the document was reviewed, tweaked and its limitations to royal power expanded, leading us to many of the constitutional elements we know and love today.

Runnymeade is the name of the meadow where the signing of this document took place.

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