King John signing the Magna Carta

1 portrait by Hilton

© National Portrait Gallery, London

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King John signing the Magna Carta

by Davenport, after William Hilton
line engraving, mid 19th century
4 7/8 in. x 3 in. (125 mm x 77 mm) paper size
Acquired, 1961
Reference Collection
NPG D4068

Sitterback to top

  • King John (1167-1216), Reigned 1199-1216. Sitter associated with 30 portraits.

Artistsback to top

  • Davenport. Artist or producer associated with 2 portraits.
  • William Hilton (1786-1839), History painter. Artist or producer associated with 61 portraits, Sitter in 1 portrait.

Placesback to top

Events of 1830back to top

Current affairs

George IV dies at Windsor on 26 June; William IV succeeds to the throne.
Duke of Wellington resigns as Prime Minister to be succeeded by Earl Grey.
'Captain Swing' disturbances among agricultural districts in southern England. Taking their name from a mythical leader, hundreds of labourers break the threshing machines that threaten their winter employment.

Art and science

Liverpool and Manchester Railway opens; MP William Huskisson is run down by a train and killed at the inaugural ceremony.
William Cobbett publishes Rural Rides; a nostalgic tribute to the English countryside which expresses dismay at the sweeping changes taking place.

International

July Revolution in France overthrows the Bourbon dynasty. Charles X goes into exile in England and Louis Philippe, Duc d'Orleans is proclaimed King by the Chamber of Deputies who fear European opposition to the declaration of a second Republic.

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Benjamin Hilliam

11 April 2020, 12:46

This engraving is taken from the watercolour (1863,0509.929) by William Hilton the Younger (1786-1839) at the British Museum. The engraving was the frontispiece for 'Letters of Junius' (1820) with the wording 'Magna Charta' written underneath the engraving.