1. © HarperCollins Publishers 2010 Significance The significance of the Magna Carta

2. © HarperCollins Publishers 2010 Significance Objectives In this activity you will: Describe some changes the Magna Carta brought about. Explain that different people experienced different changes. Analyse how significant the Magna Carta was.

3. © HarperCollins Publishers 2010 Significance In this exercise, take the roles of the people in these trials. This should help you understand what changed as a result of the Magna Carta, what stayed the same, and whether the Magna Carta was significant or not. The significance of the Magna Carta

4. © HarperCollins Publishers 2010 Significance Trial 1 Roles: A local baron, who is also the judge. A freedman, who the baron has accused of stealing from him.

5. © HarperCollins Publishers 2010 Significance The Evidence The freedman has committed no previous crimes. The remains of one of the baron’s sheep was found on his land. The freedman claims he hadn’t left his house or land the night or day before the remains were found. What sentence did the Baron pass?

6. © HarperCollins Publishers 2010 Significance The significance of the Magna Carta How would the Magna Carta change this trial? It is now 1215. The Magna Carta has been introduced.

7. © HarperCollins Publishers 2010 Significance Trial 2 Roles: A local baron, who is accusing a freedman. A freedman, who the baron has accused of stealing from him. The King’s judge, who must be fair and impartial. 12 jurors selected from the local community – these people can ask any questions they like to try to find out the truth. The freedman’s wife. The freedman’s two neighbours.

8. © HarperCollins Publishers 2010 Significance The Evidence The freedman has committed no previous crimes. The remains of one of the baron’s sheep was found on his land. The freedman claims he hadn’t left his house or land the night or day before the remains were found.

9. © HarperCollins Publishers 2010 Significance Did the Jury find the Freedman guilty? How had the trial changed? The significance of the Magna Carta

10. © HarperCollins Publishers 2010 Significance Changed a lot Didn’t change at all Keep your role from the trial, if you didn’t have a role you are a Villein, Border or Cottar and you still ‘belong’ to the baron. Indicate on the line how much you think the Magna Carta changed your life. The significance of the Magna Carta

11. © HarperCollins Publishers 2010 Significance How significant was the Magna Carta? Did it depend on who you were? The significance of the Magna Carta