Feature: Britons raise their glasses, of ale, to mark birthday of Magna Carta

Queen Elizabeth led events across Britain Monday to mark the 800th anniversary of the actual day the most important document in British history was signed.

Many of her subjects were toasting the event by raising a glass of Britain's favorite tipple, ale, to say Happy Birthday Magna Carta.

The monarch and senior members of the Royal household converged on Runnymede Meadows on the banks of the River Thames close to Windsor Castle. Leading politicians were also at the event.

The commemoration took place at the spot where on June 15, 1215, King John attached his official seal to the charter.

Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond, one of the key speakers at Runnymeade said: "The sealing of Magna Carta at Runnymede 800 years ago was one of the first steps towards democracy and the rule of law in the UK."

"Its story has inspired far beyond the UK's borders; the principles it enshrines, equality before the law, limits to the arbitrary exercise of power, due and fair process for citizens, are more relevant today than ever before," said Hammond.

"Magna Carta is a symbol of the UK's deeply rooted democracy: a story of evolution rather than revolution; of patient embedding of the principles and institutions that support successful societies," added Hammond.

Magna Carta established the principle that nobody, even the king or queen, was above the law. Centuries ago it led to King Charles being beheaded, and in more modern days it has seen members of Britain's Royal family being taken before the courts and punished for minor motoring offences.

Magna Carta was also toasted with beer as thousands of pubs and inns across the country marked the first of what will become an annual event, Beer Day Britain. Leading the toast was Marcus Jones MP, the government community pubs minister.

Students of Magna Carta have pointed out beer was even in 1215 recognised as the nation's favorite drink, earning beer its own special mention in the charter.

Clause 35 of the Magna Carta states there should be a single measure for ale throughout the kingdom. This measure was called the London Quarter, the equivalent of 2 pints.

Even in today's mostly metric Britain beer in pubs and bars continues to be sold by the pint, equivalent to 0.568 liters.

Raising his pint of ale Minister Jones said: "The Great British Pub is a national treasure which is why we are determined to protect it. We should all be proud of our nation's great history as a brewing powerhouse, therefore it is only right we celebrate Beer Day Britain alongside the Magna Carta today."

Also taking part in Monday's celebrations at Runnymede were representatives from the American Bar Association. A stone erected at Runnymede in 1957 by the ABA honors the document that travelled across the Atlantic with the Pilgrim Fathers and became the inspiration for the American constitution. Endit