Magna Carta

and Modern Australia

Magna Carta is one of the most famous documents in the world. First written in 1215, it set out rules limiting the power of the monarchy and safeguarding basic human rights. Over its long history it has been reinterpreted as an icon of justice and liberty. Magna Carta is one of the historic foundations of Australian democracy. Its principles about the rule of law and good government remain relevant today.

Explore Magna Carta through its clauses or view the stories to discover how people have used this medieval document to shape modern Australia.

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43

Si quis tenuerit de aliqua eskaeta sicut de Honore Walingefordie, Notingeham, Bolonie, Lancastrie, vel de aliis eskaetis que sunt in manu nostra et sunt baronie et obierit heres eius non det aliud relevium nec faciat nobis aliud servicium quam faceret baroni si baronia illa esset in manu baronis. Et nos eodem modo eam tenebimus quo Baro eam tenuit.

If a man holds lands of any 'escheat' such as the 'honour' of Wallingford, Nottingham, Boulogne, Lancaster, or of other 'escheats' in our hand that are baronies, at his death his heir shall give us only the 'relief' and service that he would have made to the baron, had the barony been in the baron's hand. We will hold the 'escheat' in the same manner as the baron held it.

and Modern Australia
Clause 43
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Si quis tenuerit de aliqua eskaeta sicut de Honore Walingefordie, Notingeham, Bolonie, Lancastrie, vel de aliis eskaetis que sunt in manu nostra et sunt baronie et obierit heres eius non det aliud relevium nec faciat nobis aliud servicium quam faceret baroni si baronia illa esset in manu baronis. Et nos eodem modo eam tenebimus quo Baro eam tenuit.

If a man holds lands of any 'escheat' such as the 'honour' of Wallingford, Nottingham, Boulogne, Lancaster, or of other 'escheats' in our hand that are baronies, at his death his heir shall give us only the 'relief' and service that he would have made to the baron, had the barony been in the baron's hand. We will hold the 'escheat' in the same manner as the baron held it.