DURHAM’S unique 1216 edition of Magna Carta will go on extended public display for the first time in its 799-year history on Monday (June 1).

The only surviving 1216 issue of the charter, which belongs to Durham Cathedral, will be the centrepiece of the three-month Magna Carta and the Changing Face of Revolt exhibition at Durham University’s Palace Green Library, being staged to mark the 800th anniversary of the original document being signed by King John and his barons at Runnymede in 1215.

Members of the media were given a preview of the exhibition today (Friday, May 29).

Magna Carta itself begins a story taking visitors through 800 years of civil unrest.

A section on the Wars of the Roses features swords from Alnwick Castle, gold from the Fishpool Hoard and documents from both the Yorkist and Lancastrian sides. A highlight of the section is the stunning Bosworth Crucifix, said to have been used by Richard III.

A Civil War section features the Weardale Chest, which held documents protecting commoners’ rights in the 17th century; treasures from the Breckenbrough hoard; original records of the trial of Charles I and the leather gloves he wore to his execution.

Moving on, visitors can see the draft Declaration of Rights and the Articles of Union between England and Scotland.

The next section focuses on the Jacobites and how they rebelled by wearing certain clothes, forming clubs and toasting foreign monarchs. A Book of Common Prayer from the reign of Queen Anne shows the prayer used by monarchs who believed they had divine healing powers.

On into the 19th century, there is the original Great Reform Act of 1832, a copy of the People’s Charter and a resolution from a Sunderland meeting made by two Chartists who ended up in Durham Prison.

A separate gallery, kept under wraps until today (Friday, May 29), brings a stark contrast, giving visitors an immersive experience of life as a “quiet” rebel – living as a Catholic in Protestant England before the emancipation.

The final section brings the story right up to date, exploring modern rebellions such as the Arab Spring and the Occupy movement.

The exhibition runs from June 1 to August 31 and is open daily from 10am to 6pm. Entry is by timed ticket only, priced £7.50 for adults, £6.50 for children aged five to 16 and concessions and free for children under five. Group discounts are available. To book, call 0844-844-0444 or visit ticketmaster.co.uk/magna_carta_2015. For more information, visit durham.ac.uk/palace.green/magnacarta