The story of Magna Carta – Durham Cathedral

Durham Cathedral announces events to tell the story of Magna Carta in the North.

A luminous lightwork will tell the story of the Magna Carta and the North in Durham,  a modern art installation inspired by the unknown story of the women behind the 1969 Moon Landing comes to Canterbury, there’s a brick by brick festival at Derby to promote creativity and community, a light organ at Blackburn, and Shakespeare’s letter that shed new light on his relationship with his wife goes on display in Hereford Cathedral – just some of the events planned this summer in our cathedrals.

#WishYouWereHere – Summer in our Cathedrals – what will you discover?

All our cathedrals have exciting programmes for everyone throughout this summer – from headline exhibitions to family days and arts and crafts – and all are underpinned by the daily rhythm of prayer and worship.

Some of our cathedrals charge entry and there may be a fee at others for specific events, but all our cathedrals are free to enter for prayer, worship or to light a candle.

Do check on the cathedral’s individual website for up-to-date information before you travel.

And don’t forget to share your pictures and tag us #WishYouWereHere – our summer campaign this year.

Durham Cathedral announces events to tell the story of Magna Carta in the North this summer

Durham Cathedral has just announced its events programme to mark the anniversary 800th anniversary of the 1225 issue which will see three rare Magna Cartas from the cathedral’s collection go on display.

At the centre of its exciting programme is new commissioned artwork that collectively tells the story of these 800-year-old documents – a powerful symbol of social justice in the world today.

Huge voiles will be hung between the columns in the Galilee Chapel and will depict the Magna Carta story through the artist’s reimagining using ‘stained-glass’ style illustrations and visitors will encounter a ‘river of words’ flowing through the Nave of the cathedral, — a poetic imagining that builds on the impact and legacy of Magna Carta, reinterpreting it’s spirit for today’s world.

Created by large-scale text artist Nicola Anthony, the shimmering artwork will feature words and phrases created by local community groups, projected onto the cathedral floor and will shift and change as people walk along it.

From free talks and debates, to behind-the- scenes tours and family trails – there are lots of opportunities for new experiences for all age ranges to find out a little more about these 800-year-old documents.

Visitors have the opportunity to see the rare documents in Durham Cathedral Museum, by booking a timed slot which is £7.50 for adults and free for under 18s. As well as the events programme, the cathedral is also hosting a number of Magna Carta inspired art installations that were announced earlier this year.

Andrew Usher, Chief Officer: Visitor Experience and Enterprise at Durham Cathedral, says,

“It has been eight years since the Magna Cartas and Forest Charters were last on display, so with the 800th anniversary of the 1225 issue we’re looking forward to marking the occasion. As well as showcasing these fascinating documents we want all our visitors, no matter what their age, to explore what they mean in the world today. That’s why alongside the documents and contemporary art installations, we’ve also put together an events programme, which starts in July with exclusive tours, includes free family activities in August and culminates in October with the return of Luxmuralis!”

The special events programme is now live for visitors to plan their summer, which includes a new exclusive tour of the cathedral’s secret spaces with the opportunity to see some of the rarest books from the collections, alongside a facsimile copy of the Magna Carta in the Refectory Library before seeing the real documents in the exhibition.

Another highlight of the events programme will be the return of Luxmuralis this October when visitors will be able to experience The Storytellers with sound and light projections through the world of much-loved literature, ancient texts and iconic children’s classics on the cathedral centuries-old architecture.

Andrew said,

“We know that people will be keen to see Magna Carta as well attend some of the paid-for events in the cathedral. So to make things a little easier,  for the events you have to pay for, such as the Secret Spaces Tours and Luxmuralis we are doing a combined ticket offer with Museum access. For those people looking for a budget-friendly day out we have ensured our talks and family activities are free of charge and there will be interactive art installations throughout the cathedral. And, as always, the Museum is free for under 18s.”