MAGNA CARTA

Press, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23053, 22 June 1940, Page 17

MAGNA CARTA

TO THE EDITOR OF THE PRESS. Sir, —You quote Mr A. J. Campbell, lecturer in history at Christchurch Training College, in your “General News” column, as having slated that Magna Carta "actually was not a charter of freedom but purely a baronial dan document.” I am surprised at such a statement from a lecturer in history when one reads what Macaulay writes about it. He informs us that tne Magna Carta was "the first pledge of reconciliation” as between the Normans and the Saxcns. If it were so that alone was for the benefit of the whole community and not for the barons only. The subject is too extensive to deal with in your restricted space, but I might mention that the liberties of London and all boroughs, towns, and seaports were confirmed. Also “justices, constables, sherifs, and bailiffs shall only be appointed of such as know the law and mean duly to observe it.” I am bound to admit that I know of at least one instance in which the charter has been disregarded in the administration of justice. I commend to your readers the fact that clauses of the charter provide for justice being done to all, from the baron to the villein or husbandman. There is among its provisions “inquest of life and limb”; “nor will we go upon him, nor will we send upon him. unless by the lawful judgment of his peers, or by the law of the land.” I will finally quote; “To none will we sell, to none will we deny or delay right or justice.” I think what I have quoted somewhat sparingly will indicate that others beside the barons derived considerable benefits from the charter.— Yours, etc., HENRY BETTS. Rceftcn, June 19, 1940.