Magna Carta Day

June 15 Magna Carta Day

Magna Carta is Latin for Great Charter, and is one of the most important documents in political history. Drawn up in Britain and signed on 15th June 1215, it outlines the rights of the common people and limits the powers of the monarchy. Since then it has been used as the basis for civil liberties around the World, advancing the cause of liberty, constitutionalism and parliamentarianism.Why not celebrate Magna Carta Day by making your own parchment declaration. Take a sheet of white paper and crumple it into a ball, then open it out and wipe with strong black coffee, using some cotton wool. Dry this with a hairdryer and your parchment will look old and stained. Write out your declaration using a fountain pen, or quill pen made from a feather. Make a seal by dripping candle wax on the corner and making an impression with a coin.