Magna Carta: Text and Causes
As might be expected, the text of the Magna Carta of 1215 bears many traces of haste, and is clearly the product of much bargaining and many hands. Most of its clauses deal with specific, and often long-standing, grievances rather than with general principles of law. Some of the grievances are self-explanatory: others can be understood only in the context of the feudal society in which they arose. Of a few clauses, the precise meaning is still a matter of argument.
[http://www.uncg.edu/]
Magna Carta: Digital Library
One of four surviving exemplifications issued over the Great Seal of King John on and after 23 June 1215. According to contemporary chronicles, these exemplifications were distributed to bishops, sheriffs and others throughout the land, and in this case upwards of 36 of them must be reckoned to have been sent out. But the issue of only 13 - to two bishops and to a servant of the Archbishop of Canterbury - is actually recorded.
[http://www.bl.uk/]
Magna Carta: The Great Charter
John, by the grace of God, king of England, lord of Ireland, duke of Normandy and Aquitaine, and count of Anjou, to the archbishop, bishops, abbots, earls, barons, justiciaries, foresters, sheriffs, stewards, servants, and to all his bailiffs and liege subjects, greetings.
[http://www.taylor.co.uk/]
Magna Carta: 'Britannia.com'
The Great Charter of English liberty granted (under considerable duress) by King John at Runnymede on June 15, 1215.
[http://www.britannia.com/]
Magna Carta: Exhibit
King John of England agreed, in 1215, to the demands of his barons and authorized that handwritten copies of Magna Carta be prepared on parchment, affixed with his seal, and publicly read throughout the realm. Thus he bound not only himself but his "heirs, for ever" to grant "to all freemen of our kingdom" the rights and liberties the great charter described. With Magna Carta, King John placed himself and England's future sovereigns and magistrates within the rule of law.
[http://www.archives.gov/]