The 800th anniversary of the Magna Carta

Magna Carta (Latin for "the Great Charter"), also called Magna Carta Libertatum (Latin for "the Great Charter of the Liberties"), is a charter agreed by King John of England at Runnymede, near Windsor, on 15 June 1215.

Poem by Lesley Rudd Today we celebrate the Magna Carta signing Although originated because of nobles whining It went on to lay the foundation Upon which we build a great nation

It founded the great British constitution And to the whole world made a contribution It enshrined justice and fair trial Others copied its content and style

It fundamental principle is the rule of law Other nations looked on in awe The US Bill of rights is based on the carta Probably because we are smarter

There are other things that we invented But with most our reputation is now dented We invented football of course But are no longer a world force

We started cricket on our village greens Now the Aussies make us look like has beens We introduced computing to the world at large But the yanks are now firmly in charge

So there remains one thing where we led the way And still do even today It is the Magna Carta and we should celebrate This achievement is no light weight

It enshrines values which are right and fair And shows out intellect and flair So as we stand here free today Remember who it was who paved the way Hopefully the fruits of this great endeavour Will enhance the world forever

One last thing I need to mention To aid your understanding and comprehension In today’s new world of the SNP I mention it with some glee The Magna Carta is an English invention So please you Scots – no pretention!

Ecuity celebrating the 800th anniversary of the Magna Carta with a medieval feast

Sharing our poems‌

And even‌.dressing appropriately