Saturday, January 11, 2014

1/11/2014::Daily Trivia Answer

Q::On June 15, 1215, the English King John did what, where?

A::SIGNED THE MAGNA CARTA AT RUNNYMEDE
 __________

Magna Carta (Latin for Great Charter), also called Magna Carta Libertatum or The Great Charter of the Liberties of England, is an Angevin charter originally issued in Latin in June of 1215. It was signed and sealed under oath by King John at Runnymede, near London, England.

Magna Carta was the first document forced onto a King of England by a group of his subjects, the feudal barons, in an attempt to limit his powers by law and protect their rights.

The charter was an important part of the protracted historical process that led to the rule of constitutional law in the English speaking world. It has become a source of inspiration throughout the world.

The 1215 charter required King John of England to proclaim certain liberties and accept that his will was not arbitrary—for example by explicitly accepting that no "freeman" (in the sense of non-serf) could be punished except through the law of the land, a right that still exists. The name Runnymede may be derived from the Anglo-Saxon 'runieg' (regular meeting) and 'mede' (mead or meadow), describing a place in the meadows used to hold regular meetings. The Witan, Witenagemot or Council of the Anglo-Saxon Kings of the 7th to 11th centuries was held from time to time at Runnymede during the reign of Alfred the Great. The Council met usually in the open air. This political organ was transformed in succeeding years, influencing the creation of England's 13th century parliament. (from Wikipedia)

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