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A c1850 satirical illustration of King John signing Magna Charta. (Photo by the Print Collector/Getty Images)

Is 15 June 1215 the true date of Magna Carta?

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July 2019 issue of BBC History Magazine is out now

July 2019 issue of BBC History Magazine out now!

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Magna Carta

How much do you know about the medieval document Magna Carta? The document was signed by King John after his barons rebelled and forced him to agree to limitations on his power…

An illustration of the barons compelling King John to ratify Magna Carta, 1215. (Photo by The Print Collector/Print Collector/Getty Images)

6 facts about Magna Carta

Newark Castle flanked by the river Trent. To say that King John's death here in 1216 was little-lamented is something of an understatement. "With John's foul deeds all England is stinking, as does hell, to which he is now sinking," wrote the chronicler Matthew Paris. (Getty Images)

The Library Where history happened: King John and the French invasion

BL52779 Roy 2 B VII f.78 Reaping corn harvest in August, from the Queen Mary Psalter, c.1310-20 (vellum) by English School, (14th century); British Library, London, UK; © British Library Board. All Rights Reserved; PERMISSION REQUIRED FOR NON EDITORIAL USAGE; English, out of copyright

PLEASE NOTE: The Bridgeman Art Library works with the owner of this image to clear permission. If you wish to reproduce this image, please inform us so we can clear permission for you.

The Library What did Magna Carta mean to the English in 1215?

King John. (Universal History Archive/UIG via Getty Images)

Why ‘Bad King John’ was actually good

Professor Nicholas Vincent discusses the life and reign of King John. (Photograph by Mr Christopher Guy, Worcester Cathedral Archaeologist, reproduced by permission of the Chapter of Worcester Cathedral)

King John: medieval monster

King John on the throne in a 13th-century illumination. The contention that his badness was a later invention simply doesn't stack up, argues Marc Morris. (Getty)

The Library Was King John really that bad?... Yes!

In the news

Today’s events in historical context…

Grenfell Tower: from hope to tragedy

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As a new drama about Catherine of Aragon continues, read about the real stories of the Tudor royals featured in the series…

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The Library Elizabeth of York: a Tudor of rare talent

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Brexit

The history behind Britain’s decision to leave the European Union…

Treaty Of Paris, 1783, by Benjamin West (Photo by Granger/REX/Shutterstock)

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The Library Why has Britain decided to leave the EU?

A cartoon from 'Punch' magazine (1903) titled 'Fidgety Joe', by Edward Linley Sambourne, depicting two parents representing the Duke of Devonshire and Arthur Balfour (centre), respective leaders of the Liberal Unionist and Conservative parties, trying to control their son, Joseph Chamberlain. In 1903, Joseph Chamberlain began his famous crusade for Imperial Preference – an issue which caused deep divisions in the government and ultimately paved the way for the Liberal Party's return to power in the 1906 general election. (Photo by Ann Ronan Pictures/Print Collector/Getty Images)

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