A 798 year old copy of the Magna Carta, one of four 1217 copies that still exist, goes on display for five days from today at the Supreme Court. The copy, belonging to Hereford Cathedral, is on an eight stop world tour as part of the celebration of the 800th anniversary of the Great Charter (see also : See a 13th Century copy of the Magna Carta here in Singapore). The document is also accompanied by the only surviving copy of a 1215 writ, a letter issued by King John to local authorities to announce the issue of the charter.
The display of the 13th century documents is part of the “800 years of Magna Carta” exhibition and is accompanied by an exhibition by the Supreme Court of Singapore “Magna Carta and Us”. The Supreme Court exhibition presents a collage of historical footprints which traces the birth and development of the Singapore Constitution and the rule of law in Singapore to the Magna Carta. Both exhibitions were opened last evening by the British High Commissioner for Singapore, His Excellency Scott Wightman and the Chancellor of Hereford Cathedral, Reverend Canon Chris Pullin. A replica of the British Museum’s 1215 copy of the Magna Carta was also presented by the gentlemen to the Supreme Court and was received by Chief Justice Sundaresh Menon.
Exhibition Details
Date: 19 to 23 November 2015
Time: 8.30am to 8.00pm
Venue: Supreme Court, Auditorium Level B2, 1 Supreme Court Lane, Singapore 178879
Admission: Free to all
More information is available at the British High Commision’s website as well as the Supreme Court’s website.
Photographs from the opening and of the exibitions
A close-up of a replica of the 1215 Magna Carta presented by the British Museum to the Supreme Court.
A replica of the seal of King John.
The presentation of the replica of the 1215 British Museum Magna Carta to the Supreme Court (from left to right: Reverend Canon Chris Pullin, Chancellor of Hereford Cathedral; British High Commisioner to Singapore Scott Wightman; and Chief Justice Sundaresh Menon).
A replica of the Hereford Cathedral’s 1217 copy – the actual copy, is one of four that now exists and is also on display at the exhibition.
A replica of the Hereford Cathedral’s 1215 Wirt of King John – the actual copy, is the only one that has survived and is also on display at the exhibition.
A panel at the exhibition.
Information presented at the exhibition includes that on the Magna Carta, the Hereford Cathedral’s copy and the Cathedral itself.
The late Nelson Mandela on the significance of the Magna Carta.
The Supreme Court’s accompanying exhibition ‘Magna Carta and Us’.
The declaration of Independence on display at ‘Magna Carta and Us’.
Filed under: Civic District, Events, Singapore
