Magna Carta Anniversary & Impact

Photo of the Carta Magna Memorial in Runnymede courtesy 123rf.com

On this day in 1215, King John of England sealed the Magna Carta that he was forced to sign on June 10.  The Magna Carta limited the king's powers, freed the church from royal influence, enumerated citizens' liberties, limited taxation, allowed for the formation of a powerful parliament, and is considered to be the beginning of constitutional government in England.  It is considered an influence on, if not a precursor to, the American constitution.  What I didn't know is King John had no intention to honor the document, which caused the conflict that had precipitated the writing of the document to resume.  For more information click here and click here.  What did you learn today?

Music on the Thames for the Diamond Jubilee

Photo courtesy 123rf.com

There are ten music barges on the Thames today as part of Diamond Jubilee Celebration for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.  For a list of the barges including their instruments and the list of the music being played, click here and enjoy!  What did you learn today?

Royal Anniversary

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Today is the first year wedding anniversary of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, the future King and Queen of England.  For more information about English royal weddings, click here to go to the official website of the British Monarchy.

Largest Colorless Diamond in the World

Photo of the Tower of London at night courtesy 123rf.com

The largest colorless diamond in the world is the Cullinan I.  The 530.20-carat pear-shaped diamond is in a scepter that is part of the British Crown Jewels, which are located in the Tower of London and are on public display except when in use by Queen Elizabeth II.  For more information click here and click here.

What did you learn today?

The Tower of London

Photo courtesy FreeImages

The central White Tower in the Tower of London, a castle keep, was built by the Norman, William the Conqueror (1028-1087), to signify the power he had over the Anglo-Saxons he had recently conquered at the Battle of Hastings.  Crowned William I on Christmas Day in 1066, he was the first Norman King of England.  Lacking confidence in the strength of the local building materials, William imported Caen stone from Normandy and built the edifice on top of Roman ruins, another move to signify his power over the country.  For more information, see the Royal Armouries Museum website.

If you have been to the Tower of London, what is your favorite area?