November 25, 2014 4.19 pm This story is over 112 months old

Lincoln Castle Magna Carta vault receives £1.4m donation

Generous donation: The Historic Lincoln Trust has received a million-pound donation from an education foundation.

The Historic Lincoln Trust, the group behind the Lincoln Castle Revealed project has secured a £1.4m donation from an educational foundation.

The massive donation was made by the David Ross Foundation, which helps children and young people discover strengths through various opportunities, with a focus on education, sports, arts and the community.

The money will be used for a new underground home to showcase the Magna Carta and the Charter of the Forest, and will be named the David P.J. Ross Magna Carta Vault to honour the contribution.

Lord Cormack, chairman of the Historic Lincoln Trust, said: “We are extremely grateful to the David Ross Foundation for ensuring that Lincoln Cathedral’s copy of Magna Carta, one of only four to survive, will be displayed in a special purpose-built vault in Lincoln Castle.

“This will mean that generations of visitors and students will have a unique opportunity to appreciate the full significance of the most important constitutional document in our history: the foundation of the rule of law in this country and inspiration to countries throughout the world”.

David Ross, chairman of the David Ross Foundation, added: “Having grown up in Lincolnshire, I am very proud to be able to be part of the new Magna Carta Vault development at Lincoln Castle.

“Not only is it important for Lincoln and the area to attract more visitors but it will also be a significant educational facility, offering learning across a broad range of National Curriculum subject areas for primary and secondary pupils.”

The Very Reverend Philip Buckler, Dean of Lincoln, said: “I am delighted that in its 800th anniversary year Lincoln Cathedral’s 1215 Magna Carta is to be displayed in the new Magna Carta Vault being built in Lincoln Castle with the generous support of David Ross and his foundation.”

The castle project is expected to be finished in time to celebrate the 800th anniversary of the Magna Carta in 2015.

Cllr Colin Davie, executive member for economic development and tourism at Lincolnshire County Council, commented: “The castle is the only place in the world where Magna Carta and the Charter of the Forest can be seen together, and these improvements will give them the home they deserve.

“This will make the castle an attraction of international importance, bringing in many more visitors from near and far. And that’s good news for the local economy.”