BBC Online :Magna Carta went on to “change the world”, Prime Minister David Cameron has said at an event marking the 800th anniversary of the document that heralded modern democracy.He was speaking at a ceremony at Runnymede in Surrey, close to the River Thames, where King John of England sealed the original document in 1215.The charter first protected the rights and freedoms of society and established the king was subject to the law.Mr Cameron told the audience Magna Carta would “alter forever the balance of power between the governed and the government”.And he said the document had inspired different generations and countries across the world. “Because they look to history. They see how the great charter shaped the world, for the best part of a millennium, helping to promote arguments for justice and for freedom.”Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby said the document “set the bar high for all of us today”.”Does Magna Carta mean nothing to you? Did she die in vain?” asked an exasperated Tony Hancock playing the jury foreman in an episode of his famous Half Hour.Clearly not. Far from dying, Magna Carta has had a life longer, fuller and more influential than the most optimistic medieval baron could have imagined.At its heart is the idea that the law is not simply the whim of the king, or the government. It is the great egalitarian legacy of Magna Carta, that all are equal under the law, and all can be held to account.It is that idea that gave birth to so many of our rights and freedoms, to parliamentary democracy, fair trial, and a series of controls on the abuse of arbitrary power.Earlier, the Duke of Cambridge was shown a new art installation commissioned for the anniversary.The work, called The Jurors, is inspired by the 39th clause of Magna Carta, which gives the right to a jury trial.Artist Hew Locke said it was a “great honour” to be chosen to produce the piece.Media caption Hew Locke’s installation of bronze chairs will be unveiled in the meadowsThere will also be a rededication of the American Bar Association’s Magna Carta Memorial.A replica of the Great Charter began its journey down the Thames on Saturday as part of the commemorations.The Royal Barge Gloriana has led 200 boats from Hurley in Berkshire and is due to arrive at Runnymede on Monday.
