Magna Carta has long been considered the foundation stone of the British Constitution, yet few people today understand either its contents or its context. With a full English translation of the 1215 charter, Nicholas Vincent introduces the document to a modern audience; explaining its origins and tracing the significance of its role in our history.

• 1: What happened in 1215?


• 2: The tyranny of King John


• 3: Magna Carta, parliament and the origins of the constitution: the document's first century


• 4: The Document as monument


• 5: Does Magna Carta still matter?

Nicholas Vincent recevied his first training in medeival history at Oxford, and has since held posts at Cambridge, Canterbury and Norwich. He divides his time between work in England and family in France.