A NEW exhibition has launched at Dudley archives centre celebrating two important historic milestones in local and national democracy.

This year is the 800th anniversary of the signing of the Magna Carta, as well as the 150th anniversary of the incorporation of Dudley borough.

The Magna Carta was signed by King John at Runnymede in 1215 and was the first formal document stating that the king had to follow the laws of the land.

It guarantees the rights of people against the wishes of the king and paved the way for the trial by jury system that we live by today in England.

Whilst 150 years ago locally, the municipal borough of Dudley was formed, being incorporated in 1865.

It centred on the town of Dudley, along with the suburbs of Netherton and Woodside.

The borough changed and expanded over the years, until 1974 when it changed to reflect its current makeup.

The new exhibition called Democracy in Dudley exhibits treasures from the archives collections, including the original Charter of Incorporation – complete with seal; four seventeenth century letters referencing Dudley Castle’s role in the Civil War; a Victorian copy of the Magna Carta and a facsimile of the Domesday Book.

Councillor Rachel Harris, cabinet member elect for health and wellbeing, said: “This is a fascinating exhibition which shows us exactly how the democratic way of life that we take for granted today has developed over the years.

"The Magna Carta has shaped our lives for hundreds of years now, whilst locally our democratic process in Dudley borough originated 150 years ago.

“The exhibition also showcases some examples of original sources held at the archives for researching your family, home or local area."

The exhibition at the Tipton Road centre is open Monday to Saturday from 9am until 5pm, or 7pm on Thursdays.