Magna Carta: Competitors in court accused of spoiling the case

Two women in their 80s have denied damaging the glass surrounding the Magna Carta at the British Library on May 10.

Reverend Sue Parfitt, 82, and Judith Bruce, 85, each pleaded not guilty to one charge of damaging property when they appeared at Wood Green Crown Court on Monday.

The women, who are both supporters of Just Stop Oil, are accused of damaging the protective casing around the historic document which belongs to and is kept at the library.

Mrs Parfitt, of Henbury, Bristol, and Mrs Bruce, of Bishopston, Swansea, South Wales, were granted conditional bail.

In a statement shortly after the incident, the British Library said its security team had intervened and that “the Magna Carta itself remains undamaged”.

Magna Carta outlined basic rights with the principle that no one is above the law, including the king, and established the right to a fair trial as well as the limits of taxation without representation.

It inspired a number of other documents, including the US constitution and the universal declaration of human rights.

Only three clauses still stand—one guaranteeing the liberties of the Church of England; a clause confirming the privileges of the city of London and other cities; and a clause to the effect that no free man shall be imprisoned without the legal judgment of his peers.

The pair’s four-day trial is scheduled to begin on January 13, 2026.