June 15 marked the 800 year anniversary of the Magna Carta. Celebrations and commemorations took place throughout the world. The East Anglian Daily Times reports on this in a recent article titled “Magna Carta anniversary marked in Clare with medieval fair and procession.”

Matt Hunter of the East Anglian Daily Times writes, “The anniversary has special relevance for Clare as two of the 25 barons who pushed King John to agree to the landmark legal document, Richard de Clare and his son Gilbert de Clare, came from the town. A medieval costumed procession started proceedings on Saturday as people dressed in period costume walked through the town to Clare Country Park where a medieval fair took place. Musicians led the parade which also featured dignitaries including the High Sheriff of Suffolk Judith Shallow. She was presented with the ‘Liberties of Clare’, the town’s own version of the Magna Carta. Keith Haisman, chairman of the town’s Magna Carta organising committee, said: ‘We had a good turnout with the procession going off bang on time at 11am after the church bells rung out. It was really good, there were lots of people around the town and it was pleasing that a lot of people followed on at the back-end of the procession voluntarily.’”

The New York Times celebrated the Magna Carta’s 800th birthday with a quiz titled “As Magna Carta Turns 800, How Firm Is Your Grasp on Medieval Law?” The quiz features 10 questions, asking about a number of things including what language the document is in, where was it negotiated, who signed it, who wrote it, and what did it guarantee to women. How well do you think you can do on this history lesson?

If quizzes aren’t for you, there are other ways to engage with medieval history. A great way to do this is with a Renaissance Crusader Broadsword from Armory Replicas. This weapon is made with carbon steel for display or re-enactment/costume purposes. A central ridge fuller runs three quarters down the middle of the blade. This sword is styled with a Medieval European cruciform hilt, medallion style pommel, and a leather wrapped handle with finger grooving. Its hilt and guard are also made of carbon steel and most of the weight is in the blade itself. This sword’s scabbard is constructed of wood and covered with leather and steel fittings. This is great for any Medieval collection.

Whatever replica armory needs you might have, look no further than Armory Replicas.