Magna Carta

Warrigal

Warrigal

SF VIP
Location
Sydney, Australia
We are celebrating 800 years since the signing of Magna Carta by King John at Runnymede.
This document is important because it ended the Divine Right of Kings and established the rue of law, upon which our English speaking democracies are founded today.

It had a rocky start but was the beginning of modern jurisprudence.

http://www.afr.com/news/world/magna-carta-still-posing-a-challenge-at-800-20150615-gho5c4

http://www.economist.com/blogs/economist-explains/2015/06/economist-explains-10
 

Yes, I've often thought that Anglo-Saxons do not give enough credit to Magna Carta for their modern societies.

Some shaky periods, yes, but the basic premise of all modern democracies and human rights legislation, even if it did only benefit the nobles initially and it took women another 700 years to get the vote (UK)!
 
the old Tony Hancock sketch ( with Bill Kerr and Sid James) Hancock says "Remember Magna Carta! did she die in vain?";)
 

It was a can of worms to say the least leading mankind to lose its way. A kind king or Queen with good advisors is the best way to go, but most won't admit it...
 
Yes, breaking away was a treacherous act and the perpetrators deserved to be hung. The Burning of the Gaspee was just celebrated here as it is every year, but I boycott it...:mad:
 
Had to look this one up.
The Gaspee going up in flames

BrownellGaspee350.jpg
 
Yup, local traitors at work. I have lived near that location for many years and there is an ice little park there that my dog loved...:D
 
There are big celebrations here today, at Runnymede ( by the Thames river, Windsor.) The Great Charter, signed by the King and all the barons, is the essence of politics today both in Britain, Australia, Canada NZ and the U.S.
 
We have a weekly program on the ABC called Q and A. It is a panel made up of politicians and other high level people being asked questions by a studio audience. Tonight is centred on Magna Carta and its relevance to some contemporary issues in Australia today. It was quite fascinating and will raise the profile of Magna Carta with the general population.
 
I could probably use it, and I would go providing that I can bring my gin supply with me...:eek:nthego:
 
Then I'm not going and you can't make me! Unless my princess awaited me there...
 

You must log in or register to reply here.

Back
Top