Beneath lashing rain in June 1215 the gloomy, somewhat mad-looking King John confronts, at Runnymede, his barons, together with some clergy and some of the English Commons - including the Mayor of London. Here was signed the Great Charter, Magna Carta, which sought to define the limits of the king's powers. The barons had, of course, their own interests at heart, but many clauses were included in the document which have since been considered the foundation of national liberty. The king was forced to accept that henceforth money was not to be levied without the consent of the Common Council of the Realm. No free man was to be tried, save by his peers: which at a time when the mass of the people were not free was of limited effect. But with the decay of the feudal system this became a crucial right and a defence against tyranny.

John sealed the Charter with outward calm, but we are told that when he had ridden back to Windsor Castle he gnashed his teeth, rolled his eyes and even gnawed on the branches of trees, so great was his rage.

Additional Information on
King John assents to Magna Carta