Julian Harrison , curator of Medieval manuscripts at the British Library , says it is a miracle the documents have survived -- one was badly damaged in a fire in the 18th century , and `` The other was reputedly found in a London tailor 's shop in the 17th century Four surviving copies of the original Magna Carta have gone on display in London to mark document 's 800th anniversary . The Magna Carta , or great charter , established the principle that no one -- including the King -- could be above the law . Security surrounding the priceless manuscripts , created by four different medieval artists using a paper and ink made of oak galls , is tight .
Four surviving copies of the original Magna Carta have gone on display in London to mark document 's 800th anniversary . The Magna Carta , or great charter , established the principle that no one -- including the King -- could be above the law . Security surrounding the priceless manuscripts , created by four different medieval artists using a paper and ink made of oak galls , is tight .