Britain Celebrates 800th Anniversary of Magna Carta

The 800th anniversary on Monday of Magna Carta, a medieval political truce that inspired protections for some of the world’s most cherished liberties, prompted a range of celebrations in Britain that were due to include a ceremony involving Queen Elizabeth II and a national beer day.

In Runnymede, England, the site by the banks of the Thames where the document was signed, the queen and Prime Minister David Cameron were due to attend an official commemoration.

But there have been dozens of local events throughout the country, including seminars and talks, a Magna Carta musical and plans for a national day to say “Cheers to Magna Carta” with beer, which has traditionally been Britain’s favorite alcoholic beverage. That was prompted by a call in the document for a standard measure for wine, ale and corn.