The only other real date in history is apparently 55 BC (2069 years ago, ‘owing
to the peculiar Roman method of counting’ which omits a year 0), ‘in which year
Julius Ceasar (the memorable Roman Emperor) landed, like all other successful
invaders of these islands, at Thanet’. This date too is not an anniversary generally
considered worth celebrating, but the book does also cover events whose
anniversaries are indeed celebrated in 2015. On the subject of the Magna Carter of 15 th June 1215 (which of course is not a ‘genuine’ date, owing to not being
sufficiently memorable) on this we are told:
There also happened in this reign the memorable Charta, known as Magna Charter in account of the Latin Magna (great) and Charter (a Charter); this was the first of the famous Chartas and Gartas of the Realm and was invented by the Barons on a desert island in the Thames called Ganymede. By congregating there, armed to the teeth, the Barons compelled John to sign the Magna Charter, which said:
1. That no one was to be put to death, save for some reason – (except the Common People).
2. That everyone should be free – (except the Common People).
3. That everyone should be of the same weight and measure throughout the Realm – (except the Common People).
4. That the Courts should be stationary, instead of following a very tiresome medieval official known as the King’s Person all over the country.
5. That ‘no person should be fined to his utter ruin’ – (except the King’s Person).
6. That the Barons should not be tried except by a special jury of other Barons who would understand
Magna Charter was therefore the chief cause of Democracy in England, and thus a Good Thing for everyone (except the Common People).
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