Magna Charta Barons & King John

On the 15th of June, 1215, King John met his Barons on the field of Runnemede, the ancient meadow of council. His followers were few as he met more than two thousand Knights and Barons in arms encamped on the field. The Barons had sworn an oath that they would compel the King to confirm their liberties or they would wage war agaist him to the death. Theirs was a holy crusade agaist John to recover the liberties their forefathers had enjoyed and to restore the good old customs violated by an oppressive and mercenary ruler. Their demands had been presented to the King months before for his consideration, and before the day passed he affixed his seal to the original but preliminary draft known as the "Articles of the Barons." The exact terms of the Great Charter itself were decided and engrossed during four subsequent days of negotiation, and it was on the 19th that the great seal was affixed to all copies. These were all dated back to the 15th of June, and duly sealed by the King.

The Great Charter of Liberties has become The Mother of Constitutions! The liberties of half the civilized world are derived from the Magna Charta! It is recognized as the basis of our laws, and of national liberty in general. Long standing customs, called Common Law, had now become written law, among them, no taxation without representation, judgement by peers, and due process of law. Liberty is the keynote of the Charter, to have and to hold, to them and their heirs, for ever! The King is not above the law; the law reigns supreme.