Magna Carta Chapter House

Magna Carta is one of the most important documents dating back to 1215. You can see one of the four original copies (the best preserved one). Lots of information plus staff ready to answer any of your questions. And the chapter house is just an amazing building.

It was a lot better than I thought it would be. Quickly realised I really didn’t know much about the history of the Magna Carta other than a few headline points. The instillations were made interesting but most of all thank you to Arthur, one of the Usher’s working there, for the really engaging conversation and passionately telling me all the history.

Beautiful part of the cathedral which houses the best preserved copy of the Magna Carta, one of 4 remaining in existence. It is a must see! In addition, the room itself is incredible with stained glass windows on each wall and when the sun shines outside, they light up the central column. No photography is allowed inside the Magna Carta viewing room for preservation purposes. Translations are provided.

Well worth seeing and included in the cathedral admission price. The chapter house is spacious and airy with light flooding in through the huge stained glass windows. Was fascinated by the little stone heads of medieval people from all walks of life that adorn the walls. The copy of the Magna Carta displayed here is the best preserved of only four that are still in existence. It's protected in a darkened tent and only two or three people can enter at a time. No photography allowed. There's lots of background information about the Magna Carta, King John and how medieval documents were produced.

When you see something like this in front of you, you automatically become reverent. This is such an important piece of writing that could tell so many incredible stories. As part of Satisbury Cathedral, it is also kept in an appropriately historic place.
Pause for a moment and consider the significance of the Carta....

It’s cool to see the Magna Carta. The elderly guide was vey friendly.

Very interesting and informative part of our history. Free entry with a ticket to Salisbury Cathedral.

Worth a visit for those interested in history. As it is a religious building you will need to keep this in mind for your visit, and there may be moments of prayer throughout the day and services on specific days so plan your visit in advance.

The Magna Carta itself is protected in a small enclosed room which you enter via a curtain. No photographs of the document are allowed, which is to preserve the artefact for future generations of visitors. You may however take a photo of the image of the page on the outer wall of the enclosed area.

The document itself is remarkably well preserved, and the writing is immaculate and impressive to look at. Around the room are features about how it was made, the influence it had at the time, and the ongoing impact of what it started on various parts of the modern world.

Accessibility is good with an accessible toilet. In the main cathedral, some wheelchairs might struggle on the angle of the ramps in one or two places - my powerchair was briefly stuck due to this and only made it up the ramp with the help of a couple of people pushing.