Magna Carta and the North at Durham Cathedral
July 11 @ 8:00 am - November 2 @ 5:00 pm
This summer, Durham Cathedral is displaying its three rare Magna Cartas for the first time in eight years, recognising the 800th anniversary of the 1225 issue in our collection.
From 11 July to 2 November 2025, see the only surviving 1216 Magna Carta, along with issues from 1225 and 1300, and three Forest Charters in Durham Cathedral Museum.
The rare documents will be on display as part of a new exhibition, Magna Carta and the North, alongside contemporary artworks and interactive installations throughout the cathedral that will tell the story of these 800-year-old documents which are still a powerful symbol of social justice in the world today.
What to expect when you visit Magna Carta and the North?
As you walk through the North Doors and into the Galilee Chapel, you will see huge voiles printed with ‘stained glass’ style depictions of the Magna Carta story, before you walk past the Visitor Desk and into the Nave. At the Visitor Desk you will be able to buy tickets to the Museum to see the Magna Cartas if you haven’t already purchased them online. In the Nave, you will see projections on the floor, which is the artwork ‘The Words That Bind Us‘ by Nicola Anthony. These words will ripple as you walk through them, with the opportunity to add to this artwork after seeing Magna Cartas in the Museum.
You can explore around the cathedral at your leisure. Exit the South Doors into the Cloisters and from here, you can go up to the Museum, where you can see Durham Cathedral in LEGO, before you begin your museum experience. You will need a ticket to the Museum before you go further into the Museum and view Magna Carta.
Upon entry to the Museum, you will be shown a short film created by NOVAK, which will transport you on a journey through medieval Britain, before walking into the Collections Gallery, where you can get upclose to the three Magna Cartas and three Charters of the Forest.
Look out for the key details on the document, as you read all about the Magna Carta on the boards. From here, exit the gallery and go through the Great Kitchen, where you can see the relics of Saint Cuthbert.
As you exit the Great Kitchen, you will have the opportunity to choose a word or phrase that you would like to add to a Modern Charter. These words or phrases will then be projected on the ‘Words That Bind Us‘ art installation in the Nave.
You will then exit through the Cloisters, and then make your way to the Chapter House, where you will see a small exhibition about how Magna Carta connects to the Christian faith. You can also view this space if you choose not to buy a ticket to the Museum. You are welcome to pause here and light a candle or take away a free prayer card.