September 16, 2009
Magna Carta at Fraunces Tavern Museum until Dec. 15
One of the four surviving original copies of the Magna Carta on Tuesday went on public display at the Fraunces Tavern Museum. Most likely it’s also the only copy reached via an elevator at the end of a bar.
The document, written in Latin, was forced upon King John of England in 1215 and is considered on of the foundations of modern democracy as it limited the power of the monarchy, giving some rights to the people.
The document is on loan from the Lincoln Cathedral in England, which obtained its copy of the Magna Carta on June 28, 1215. Fraunces Tavern spent $1.2 million to bring it to New York, museum president Charles C. Lucas said during a media preview on Tuesday.
The “Magna Carta and the Foundations of Freedom” will be on display through Dec. 15 along with a copy of the Declaration of Independence and other documents.
Parts of the Fraunces Tavern buildings date to 1719 and was once known as the “Queen’s Head” public house. It’s famous as the location where the Gen. George Washington bade farewell to his triumphant troops on Dec. 4, 1783 in an upstairs meeting area called the Long Room.
Since then it suffered through several fires and additions. “The present building is a highly conjectural construction — not a restoration — based on ‘typical’ buildings of ‘the period,’ parts of remaining walls, and a lot of guesswork,” clucks the AIA Guide to New York City. NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission’s “Guide to New York City Landmarks” also refers to the “somewhat speculative reconstruction” of Fraunces Tavern.
Admission to the museum is $10 for adults and $5 for seniors or children. It’s located at 54 Pearl St., map. The downstairs portion of the building are still operated as a restaurant and bar.
Related: The National Society Magna Charta Dames and Barons
Picture credits: Amy Langfield/NewYorkology; except for top full-image of the 1215 Magna Carta, which was provided by Lincoln Cathedral.
Earlier: Washington’s and Lincoln’s New York City haunts
Fraunces Tavern, proud American Whiskey Trail spot
September 16, 2009 10:07 AM in Architecture, Downtown, Drinkology, History, Kids, Museums, Sightsology
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