Created by Bill Thisdell, illustrated by Simon Clark and written by Dr Matthew Smith, Magna Carta: Road to Runnymede tells the story of King John and the origins and outcomes of the great charter. Sponsored by Heathrow Airport Ltd.
The surprising career of Magna Carta is explored in our fourth micro-documentary. Claire explores how the charter became a symbol and its subsequent use by reformers and revolutionaries, conservatives and imperialists down the centuries.
In this micro-documentary, Royal Holloway PhD student Claire Kennan explores the immediate background to the events of June 1215, what Magna Carta was and achieved in the short term and what happened after the King and Barons parted company.
In this micro-documentary made by Claire Kennan, a PhD student at Royal Holloway specialising in medieval history, we explore the reputation and image of King John. Was he as bad as we commonly believe? What was expected of a medieval king and how does John compare with his father, Henry Read more…
In this short film Claire Kennan explores the background to the events at Runnymede in 1215. What was England like in this tumultuous year? What was the Angevin Empire? Why was the extension of Royal forests unpopular? Who were the Barons?
In this song of epic proportions Jenny takes us on a journey from Runnymede in 1215 through to modern day, stopping off at key moments in the struggle for liberty and equality. An excellent way for pupils to explore the history of liberty and the legacy of Magna Carta. Download Read more…
In this song Jenny Lockyer explores the relationship between Magna Carta, Runnymede, liberty and America. Jenny touches upon how Magna Carta both inspired the creation and then justified the expansion of America, the complex relationship between the American ideal of liberty and its practice and the modern American interest in Read more…
The human stories behind the clauses of Magna Carta is the theme of Jenny’s second song. How many Magna Carta clauses can you spot in the lyrics? Download the lyrics here
In this song Jenny looks at the reign of King John and the road to Runnymede and Magna Carta through the eyes of John’s son, the future Henry III. Illustrations courtesy of Louella, aged nine. Download the lyrics here
Developed by former Royal Holloway student Amy Stone, in this classroom activity pupils are set the challenge of identifying clauses that come from three great charters of liberties: Magna Carta, the Bill of Rights (US) and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. In so doing pupils will gain an understanding Read more…