Americans have flocked to see a document considered by many to be the jewel in Lincoln's crown.

In just seven weeks, 56,000 visitors have viewed Lincoln's precious copy of the Magna Carta which is currently on loan to the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in California.

The hugely popular exhibition entitled Magna Carta: The Essence of Democracy is based on Lincoln Cathedral's copy of the document, which dates from 1215 and sets out the foundations of our constitutional law.

And the document is of particular relevance in the US as the American Declaration of Independence in 1776 is based on the Magna Carta.

One of only four copies still in existence, Lincoln's copy of the Magna Carta is usually housed in the old magistrates' court at Lincoln Castle where it can be viewed throughout the summer months.

Melissa Giller, of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, said: "The exhibit has been very well received.

"It is kept very safe as the library already has 24 hour security and when open to guests we post a security guard next to the document."

The Fraunces Tavern Museum in Manhattan, New York. is the next US venue to display Lincoln's copy of the Magna Carta September.

Museum chief executive Richard Gregory, said Magna Carta and the Foundations of Freedom would run for 90 days.

"The exhibition will tell a story which starts in 1215 and moves to the American independence in the 17th century to the abolition of slavery in 1860," he said.

The subdean of Lincoln Cathedral, Canon Alan Nugent said: "The Magna Carta is the most important item the cathedral owns so we're very glad that it's able to be shown in different parts of the world and, in particular, in America.

"But each summer it will always be back in Lincoln for the main period of tourist trade."

For the full story see Monday's Lincolnshire Echo.