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.

Drag clause
51

Et statim post pacis reformacionem amovebimus de regno omnes alienigenas milites balistarios, servientes stipendarios qui venerint cum equis et armis ad nocumentum Regni.

As soon as peace is restored, we will remove from the kingdom all the foreign knights, bowmen, their attendants, and the mercenaries that have come to it, to its harm, with horses and arms.

and Modern Australia
Clause 51
Drag clause

Et statim post pacis reformacionem amovebimus de regno omnes alienigenas milites balistarios, servientes stipendarios qui venerint cum equis et armis ad nocumentum Regni.

As soon as peace is restored, we will remove from the kingdom all the foreign knights, bowmen, their attendants, and the mercenaries that have come to it, to its harm, with horses and arms.