It was a moment which changed the world.

Now, 800 years after Magna Carta was agreed by King John, the Midlands is celebrating one of the key events in the nation’s history.

King John is buried in Worcester Cathedral and was a regular visitor to the region to worship at the shrine of Saint Wulfstan . His favourite hunting grounds were nearby in forests at Wyre, Feckenham and The Chase.

But his relationship with the region was marred when Worcester declared for the rebellious barons.

The city was recaptured by royalist forces in July 1216 and three months later King John was dead, specifying in his will that he be buried in Worcester Cathedral.

Now a host of events in the county are being planned to mark the anniversary of the sealing of the document and the death of John.

From September a special display will take place at the cathedral, which includes King John’s will and key artefacts.

The Very Reverend Peter Atkinson, Dean of Worcester, said: “Worcester Cathedral boasts a role in the story of Magna Carta that no other place can claim.

“We have King John’s tomb and his will, giving visitors a direct connection with the monarch who, whether he liked it or not, sealed the document that established the principle of the rule of law.”

The display will be accompanied by a programme of talks and the cathedral will host performances of a specially commissioned play performed by Worcester Repertory Company to reach out to children and tour around schools in Worcestershire and Dudley.

A special service on June 14 will mark the actual 800th anniversary of the sealing of Magna Carta and a series of anniversary concerts will be held in the same week.

The momentous events of 1215 and 1216 were followed by a series of dramatic actions as the barons again revolted in 1263 against King Henry III, led by Simon de Montfort. He established a Parliament before the Battle of Evesham with royalist forces in 1265 and his death. The 750th anniversary of de Montfort’s downfall will also be marked with two weeks of events in Evesham.

The highlight of the fortnight will be a two-day medieval Festival, including a battle re-enactment, living history displays, medieval fair and much more.