Sotheby’s Auction House has announced it will be selling a 710-year-old copy of the Magna Carta. Start saving your pennies: acquiring the big MC will set you back $20-$30 million.
Various cranky and/or rebellious Barons forced King John (0f England, where all good stuff comes from…at least until 1850) to sign the Magna Carta in 1215. The document guarantees freemen (read: the Barons) would not be imprisoned or deprived of property without due process, and had a right to a speedy trial before a jury. As such, it is the foundation of many of the civil rights we enjoy today. Bush Administration notwithstanding.
Also for sale is King John’s shopping list. Although not expected to fetch as high a price, it is an interesting glimpse into the past. Like, how much mutton can you eat? Seriously.
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