Trailer – On the Record: Magna Carta

In 1215, when King John sealed the document that would become known as Magna Carta, it was meant to end a civil war.

Instead, it sparked an idea that would echo for 800 years.

I'm Chloe Lee, a records specialist at The National Archives.

This is On the Record at The National Archives, uncovering the past through stories of everyday people.

I want to tell you about Episode One of our three-episode miniseries on People and Power, featuring the 1225 Magna Carta – more significant than the famous 1215 version.

"It really enshrines the idea, the ideas of justice and liberty, that no one is above the law, not even the divinely ordained King, and that the king himself and his government must rule fairly."

And Simon de Montfort's 1265 parliament, a rebel baron who held the king captive and reimagined who should have a say in government.

"In 1264, in the spring of 1264, there is a battle at Lewes, which is a pitched battle between the forces of Henry III and the forces of Simon De Montfort. And Simon wins that battle, categorically. He's a brilliant general, and he takes captive Henry III, Henry III’s brother and Henry III’s son, the Lord Edward."

These landmarks weren't democracy, but they established principles that would echo for centuries.

The episode is coming soon, so hit Follow or Subscribe wherever you listen.