For more than eight centuries, the Magna Charta (also spelled Magna Carta) has stood as a foundational symbol of liberty, the rule of law, and constitutional government. Among the hereditary societies in the United States dedicated to preserving this legacy, few are as steeped in historic symbolism as the Baronial Order of Magna Charta (BOMC). Founded in the mid-20th century, the BOMC celebrates the lineage and ideals of the barons who compelled King John of England to sign the Magna Charta in 1215—an act that would echo through legal systems and democracies around the world.
Origins of the Magna Charta
On June 15, 1215, at Runnymede beside the River Thames, a group of English barons forced King John to affix his seal to a charter of liberties. The Magna Charta was a revolutionary document that limited royal power, affirmed certain legal rights, and laid the groundwork for constitutional law.
Though originally intended to settle a political crisis in medieval England, the Magna Charta would later be revered as a foundational document in the development of the English common law, parliamentary government, and eventually, the U.S. Constitution.
Formation of the Baronial Order of Magna Charta
The Baronial Order of Magna Charta (BOMC) was founded in 1898 as The Baronial Order of Runnemede by American descendants of the barons who were party to the Magna Charta. Their goal was to preserve and honor the legacy of these 13th-century barons and to educate the public on the document’s ongoing influence on democracy, individual rights, and constitutional government. The Order has been incorporated in the State of Pennsylvania as a non-profit corporation since 1945, and is also registered with the IRS as a 501(c)(3) tax exempt organization.
Mission and Purpose
The Baronial Order of Magna Charta pursues several objectives:
- To identify and honor the descendants of the 25 barons who compelled King John to sign the Magna Charta.
- To promote education on the importance of Magna Charta and its impact on Anglo-American law and liberties.
- To support scholarly research, lectures, and publications about Magna Charta, medieval history, and constitutional development.
- To foster fellowship among members and the broader hereditary society community.
The organization also works to preserve the ideals of liberty under the rule of law, principles that trace directly back to the events at Runnymede.
Membership and Eligibility
Membership in the BOMC is open to individuals who can prove lineal descent from one or more of the 25 Magna Charta Surety Barons (twenty-four Barons, and the Lord Mayor of London, who were selected in 1215 to be Sureties for the proper observance of the statutes of constitutional liberty known as Magna Charta, from John, King of England).
Key requirements include:
- Documented genealogical lineage from a qualifying baron (such as Robert de Vere, Saher de Quincy, or Richard de Clare).
- Submission of primary or authoritative secondary genealogical evidence.
Members receive certificates and may use post-nominal initials BOMC to reflect their membership.
Key Activities and Contributions
The Baronial Order of Magna Charta:
- collects and preserves information on the Magna Carta, the document’s supporters, its history and its role in national and world affairs and disseminates that information to the general public;
- supports further research by individuals and institutions into this rich history;
- encourages the study and practice of Magna Carta within its historical context and the evolution of its meaning as represented in the concepts of self-determination and the rule of law;
- extends to the public the history and far-reaching impact of Magna Carta by actively seeking out those who may have an interest in supporting and implementing it;
- provides ongoing financial support for the Magna Carta Trust in England.
The Order also observes important anniversaries, such as:
- The 800th Anniversary of Magna Charta in 2015, which included international events and commemorations at Runnymede and in Washington, D.C.
Legacy and Influence
The Magna Charta has profoundly influenced:
- The English Bill of Rights (1689)
- The U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights
- Legal doctrines such as habeas corpus, due process, and trial by jury
The BOMC plays a critical role in keeping this heritage alive, particularly for Americans descended from Magna Charta barons, by connecting historical lineage to modern democratic values.
It is part of a larger network of hereditary societies, often working in partnership with:
Together, these organizations form a robust community dedicated to the preservation of Western legal and constitutional traditions.
Conclusion
The Baronial Order of Magna Charta is more than a lineage society — it is a living link to the moment in history when the seeds of democracy were planted in English soil. By connecting contemporary members to their medieval forebears, and supporting the ongoing study of liberty and law, the BOMC ensures that the ideals forged at Runnymede continue to inspire future generations.
If you believe you may be descended from a Magna Charta Surety Baron, or simply wish to learn more about the origins of liberty under law, the Baronial Order offers both a path of discovery and a place in a distinguished legacy.
Lineage Society History 
Leave a comment