SALISBURY Cathedral opened its new Magna Carta exhibition a week ahead of schedule on Saturday.

Magna Carta - Spirit of Justice, Power of Words was unveiled in a special preview on Friday.

The Very Rev June Osborne, Dean of Salisbury, said: “The Magna Carta is the symbol of everything that this country holds dear.

“We've called the exhibition Spirit of Justice, Power of Words because we know that in our day fairness, generosity, compassion, these things are what give quality to our lives.”

Salisbury Cathedral is home to one of just four original copies of the Magna Carta, which celebrates its 800th birthday this year, and is now on display in the 13th Century Chapter House.

Simon Timms, chairman of the Heritage Lottery Fund South West, said: “This is the home of the Magna Carta, it's been the home for 800 years, and seeing it here is just unforgettable.”

The exhibition, created by museum and heritage specialists Haley Sharpe Design, includes a range of interactive activities.

Project consultant Oriel Wilson said: “The things that stand out for me are the diversity of activities within here, the film media, the graphics, the tactile elements and obviously the display of the Magna Carta itself.”

The use of video, objects - including a sword and an armoured glove - and games make the exhibition accessible to younger audiences.

Children from Amesbury and Newton Tony primary schools visited the preview on Friday.

Callum Kealy, 11, said: “If we did not have the Magna Carta, today would be very different. We would be living in a less fair country.”

Salisbury Journal:

The exhibition is a permanent display and, over the course of the year, the cathedral is running a series of related events.

The project is funded by a £415,000 grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Mr Timms said: “The HLF was delighted to be approached to support this project.”

The exhibition will be formally opened by Neil MacGregor, director of the British Museum, on March 6.