Taking Liberties: the struggle for Britain's freedoms and rights

We take our rights for granted. Free speech. A free press. The rule of law. The power to vote in those who make the laws and spend our taxes. And the power to vote them out.

These rights didn't just happen. They were hard won, the product of hundreds of years of debate, struggle, bloodshed and war. Many people died for them: heroes, villains, and some who were both.

Nor are these rights ours forever. They can be altered or removed, and at various times in our history, they have been.

The British Library’s forthcoming free exhibition Taking Liberties: the struggle for Britain’s freedoms and rights uncovers the roots of British democracy over a period of more than 900 years.

• See rare iconic documents that paved the way for liberty and democracy, from Magna Carta to the Good Friday Agreement
• Engage with lavish computer interactives that compare your views on liberty and freedom with everyone else's
• Take part in our series of outstanding events with top speakers who address today's hottest political debates, such as human rights, ID cards, and detention without charge
• Nominate your hidden heroes and heroines who have worked locally for justice and freedom more

There are also free History and Citizenship Workshops for students.

Opening times, how to get there
Star items
Events

Video introduction to exhibition
Audio introduction to exhibition (MP3, 4min, 1.6MB)

Read curator Matthew Shaw's blog