56,000 Yanks check out our Magna Carta
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.
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Linoln's Magna Carta is a big hit in the States
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.
26 Comments
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by Yvonne McGruder, Lincoln
Monday, March 23 2009, 8:39PM
“For the love of God! Limey isn't derogatory. Snivelling limey is. Yank isn't derogatory. Stupid fat yank is. Haven't you people heard of context? And Cheesehead, give it up. You're making Sneer look smart. That means you = fail.”
by hmmmm, lincoln
Monday, March 23 2009, 5:26PM
“lol @ cheese and sneeze... what a pair aye”
by Jonny, Lincoln
Monday, March 23 2009, 5:15PM
“Because Limey derives from the fact we had bad teeth caused by scurvy, which was rectified by sucking limes. Interstingly the first ever propper medical trial. Anyway Americans use it as a derogatory term. Please remember a word can later become derogatory without having to follow it's literal history.”
by Robert Cheeseman, Lincoln
Monday, March 23 2009, 5:14PM
“Mr Sneeze, I refer you to my previous comment as I do not wish to feed the trolls”
by hmmmm, lincoln
Monday, March 23 2009, 5:07PM
“hmmmm dee hmmmm hmmmm hmmm right now ive sed my piece ill leave u too it”
by Mr Sneer, Derision on the Wold
Monday, March 23 2009, 5:01PM
“"...using Limey suggests negative conotations."
What? How? It derives from sailors drinking lime juice to prevent scurvy. How is that negative?
"Mr Sneeze, please refer yourself to my previous comment as I do not wish to feed the trolls."
I make that three strikes. Being a yank, I'm sure you know what that means.”
by Jonny, Lincoln
Monday, March 23 2009, 4:09PM
“Ah no it's a good laugh and a way to pass the day. Mr Sneer is alright, at least with a troll you know that what they say is not always what they think, which is different from another of other people on this site.”
by Robert Cheeseman, Lincoln
Monday, March 23 2009, 4:07PM
“Steve, no, you missed the point, that has nothing to do with what I was on about. Shame because it seemed interesting.
Mr Sneeze, please refer yourself to my previous comment as I do not wish to feed the trolls.
Jonny, I'm glad that there is, at least, one supporter of my beliefs and I thank you for it. I would recommend that you do not allow Mr Sneeze to bait you. He is a troll, and like all trolls, feeds off attention.”
by Jonny, Lincoln
Monday, March 23 2009, 4:06PM
“Yeah but that is the point, you're just chatting with your mates. If you saw in a paper, 'Limey's come and see monument' would you think that the same as 'Britains come and see monument'? I know I wouldn't because using Limey suggests negative conotations.
As regard to get offended on others people's behalf, it is not me taking offense but them. I find it embarassing, not offensive. Still, feel free to use all the Daily Mail terms for me, I'll just go put my flip flops on and hug a tree before drinking my green tea and reading the morning star. Got that communist rally to get to”
by Mr Sneer, Derision on the Wold
Monday, March 23 2009, 3:50PM
“"I don't like a term some of my friends find offensive being used in my local paper"
In other words, you're being offended on behalf of other people. Which is what being PC is all about. The term 'yank' does not have any negative associations in the way that 'redneck' does, for example.
"Oh and have a chat to some Americans."
I do, regularly. They aren't bothered about it any more than the Canadians I talk to regularly are bothered about the term 'Canuck.' Just as I'm not offended when they call me a 'limey.' We've got better things to get wound up about, I guess.”