A rare copy of the Magna Carta - the 13th century document that became the basis for modern constitutional law in Britain - has sold at an auction in New York for over $21m. The Magna Carta went some way towards limiting the rights of the King. This report from Robin Forestier:

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The copy which sold in New York dates from 1297. Its buyer says it will remain at the National Archives in Washington, just a few metres away from its direct descendants, the Declaration of Independence and the US Constitution.

Robin Forestier, BBC

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Charter
a formal written statement of the rights of the people of a country or a social group

oppressive
cruel, unfair, stopping people from having freedom and opportunities

rebellious
if a group of people are rebellious, they oppose the ideas of the people in authority and plan to change the system, often using force

barons
people with money and power; 'a baron' is the title for those who belong to the lowest rank in the highest social class

It limited the powers of monarchy
the Magna Carta made sure that the rights and authority of the King were controlled, so that they were not greater than a specified level or extent

established in principle
here, refers to the fact that the idea of human rights was officially recognized

unlawful imprisonment
putting in jail without sufficient legal reason

trial by jury
trial in a law court by a group of people who have been chosen to listen to all the facts and to decide whether a person is guilty or not guilty

dates from
was written back in

direct descendants
here, documents that are clearly linked to and influenced by the Magna Carta

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