Magna Carta commemorations get cash boost

The Magna Carta was agreed at Runnymede in 1215

Ten projects commemorating next year's 800th anniversary of the sealing of Magna Carta have received grants.

Chancellor George Osborne announced details of the grant to the Magna Carta Trust in his Budget speech in March.

The Magna Carta, or Great Charter, was agreed at Runnymede on 15 June 1215 and commemorations across the UK are being planned to mark the anniversary.

In total, 10 projects have benefited from £186,965.

Sir Robert Worcester, chairman of the 800th Anniversary Committee, said the funding was the first tranche of grants to be allocated from the £1m.

It is expected that it will help to support more than £600,000 worth of activities.

The Magna Carta outlined basic rights with the principle no-one was above the law, including the king.

Sir Robert said: "This funding will help deliver a wide range of activities and contribute to ensuring a fitting legacy from the 800th anniversary as well as to deepen the public's understanding of how the principles of Magna Carta have underpinned our liberties and freedoms throughout the centuries."

The successful beneficiaries are:

• Canterbury City Council (£20,000)

• Lincoln City Council (£20,000)

• Runnymede Borough Council (£15,000)

• Salisbury Cathedral (£19,965)

• St Edmundsbury Borough Council (£20,000)

• American Bar Association (£20,000)

• Baronial Order of Magna Charta (£16,000)

• English-Speaking Union (£18,0000)

• Pilgrims of Great Britain (£20,000)

• The Royal Commonwealth Society (£18,000)