The Society of Antiquaries of London, based in Burlington House just off Piccadilly, is celebrating the 800th anniversary of the 1225 Magna Carta from 23 July to 19 September 2025 with a 9-week public exhibition, a comprehensive learning and outreach programme, and the creation of a digital edition to engage a wide audience with the historical
significance of Magna Carta and the Charter of the Forest.
The Society has three rare 13th-century copies of Magna Carta and received a £123,304 grant from The National Lottery Heritage for this exciting project highlighting the Magna Carta's enduring legacy. Magna Carta, one of the most important documents in history, has
influenced legal and human rights systems worldwide, from the French Revolution to the United States Constitution and the United Nations' Declaration of Human Rights. In addition to Magna Carta, the project also highlights the Charter of the Forest, a crucial companion document that expanded the definition of 'forest' and safeguarded the rights of the freemen who relied on these lands for their livelihood.
The exhibition will feature a remarkable 1225 reissue by Henry III - the version later confirmed in English law. The public engagement programme will also explore the historical and modern-day relevance of these documents, sparking discussions on justice, rights
and freedoms.
Dr Michelle Johansen, Learning & Outreach Manager, is managing the Magna Carta 1225 programme: "We are thrilled to have the opportunity to share some of the Society's most
significant treasures and are looking forward to debunking myths and exploring the enduring relevance of both Magna Carta and the Charter of Forest with a range of new audiences." A maker-in-residence will offer a creative response to the theme of Magna Carta as will a programme with artist Dan Llywelyn Hall.
Stuart McLeod, Director of England - London & South at The National
Lottery Heritage Fund, said: "We are delighted to support this project,
which thanks to money raised by National Lottery players, will mean that more people will be able to get involved with, protect, and learn about this important heritage."
The exhibition is open to the public on Wednesdays to Fridays, 11 am - 4 pm (last entry 3.30pm) until Friday, 19th September 2025.Free entry, no booking required.
Grant Funding to Support Key Heritage Goals
The National Lottery Heritage Fund grant supports the creation of the exhibition at Burlington House, which has been open since 23 July and will run until Friday 19 September 2025. It also funded the purchase of five environmentally controlled and secure display cases to protect these invaluable documents from deterioration. A key component of the project is the development of a free digital resource, making the Magna Carta and Charter of the Forest's clauses accessible to students, educators and the general public for at least five years.
In addition to the exhibition, the project provides free school and community visits, with special learning activities designed for state schools. These activities include meaningful, career-based learning opportunities for students from less advantaged backgrounds, through
summer schools offering training to co-produce the exhibition catalogue and programme a late event.
Preserving Heritage, expanding access and fostering sustainability
By safeguarding these 800-year-old documents in secure display cases and offering a
long-term digital resource, the project ensures the preservation of these vital historical treasures. The public engagement initiatives, including the school visits and community outreach, will foster wider access to and participation in this important heritage.
The project's educational programme aims to inspire creative responses to Magna Carta and deepen public understanding of the Society's role in shaping our understanding of the
material culture of the past.
Through partnerships with schools, community groups and other education providers, this project will create a lasting legacy for future generations, including an online exhibition in response to the physical exhibition.
Get Involved
To learn more about the project and find out about events and activities taking place between May 2025 and March 2026, visit the Society's website for further details.
For more information visit:
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