National Archives Displays An Original Copy Of Magna Carta

WASHINGTON - MARCH 03: A copy of a 1297 version of Magna Carta is on display during a press viewing at the National Archives March 3, 2008 in Washington, DC. The Magna Carta was first issued by King John of England to recognize traditional rights in 1215 and was reissued by every one of his heirs. The document influenced the establishment such common law and constitutional documents as the Bill of Rights and the Constitution of the United States. The 1297 version of Magna Carta entered the official Statute Rolls of England and became the foundation of English law. The 1297 version is one of four originals copies of the document that still remains and is the only one on display in the U.S. The Brudenell family, the earls of Cardigan, and the Perot Foundation previously owned this copy. David Rubenstein, Co-founder and Managing Director of the Carlyle Group, purchased the document in 2007 and has placed it on loan to the National Archives to display to the public. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)