Magna Carta display in Winnipeg wraps up

A public display of a rare copy of England's original Magna Carta, handwritten in Latin almost 800 years ago, wraps up later Monday at the Manitoba legislature. 

The document, signed in 1215, has been available for viewing for three months.

Acquiring the issue of Magna Carta involved months of preparations and negotiations.

The document was on display in New York City, but poor travel conditions as a result of Iceland's volcanic ash cloud delayed its return home to the United Kingdom. That delay allowed for the negotiations that led to its Winnipeg visit.

Magna Carta is considered by many to be the first significant influence on the modern concept of human rights. The original document, also known as the Great Charter of Liberty, defined the limits to royal power and was signed by King John at Runnymede in 1215. Seventeen copies of the original survive from the 13th century.

Manitoba has been displaying one of four copies issued in 1217. The visit marks the second time this document has left Britain.

The public can view the document in Room 200 of the legislative building from noon to 4 p.m., after which it will be returned to the United Kingdom.