AN historic charter issued by King John years before the signing of the Magna Carta is to go on display.

The document, dating back to 1201, describes the granting of Teesdale Forest, in County Durham, to Henry fitz Hervey.

Written on parchment and in Latin, it still has the remains of its original wax seal attached with plaited silk thread.

The public will be able to examine the charter during a free one-off drop-in session at Durham County Record Office, in County Hall, on Thursday (July 30).

Dawn Layland, education and outreach archivist at the record office, said: “This particular charter is so fascinating because it relates to an individual who lived in our area and who obviously did something that deserved recognition and reward from King John.

“I’m sure people will really enjoy the opportunity to have a close-up look at it.”

The charter was unearthed after the record office was approached by academics from the University of East Anglia, working on a research project marking the 800th anniversary of the Magna Carta.

Since it came to light some months ago, the charter has been used as the basis for a series of workshops for school parties visiting Durham County Record Office.

Henry fitz Hervey’s marriage settlement to a woman called Alice will also be on display, alongside other medieval and early modern records including parish registers, an early map of Durham City and a selection of charters.

Visitors will also be able to try their hand at writing medieval letters using a traditional quill.

The drop-in session, from 6pm to 7.30pm, is part of a regular series of bi-monthly events at the county’s archive service.