The development of Liberty in England began very early with the rise of Christianity in the first century. Christianity always has a profound influence on the shaping of a country. In AD 150, Celtic Pastors were teaching from the Bible. In AD 425, the Anglo Saxons conquered England and gave it the name we know today. Although they technically "lost" the war, the Celts converted the Anglos to Christianity. Shortly after, in AD 597, Roman Catholicism came to England. During the years of AD 871-899, King Alfred ruled over England. King Alfred was one of the most beneficial kings of England. He unified a large part of England, making the country united and stronger. King Alfred's rule also benefited the country spiritually as well. Alfred established the Ten Commandments as the law of the land. During the 9th century, common law was based on the Bible. Alfred's form of law can be considered the start of law by jury, and the right to bring a party to court. In 1066 the Norman's, under William The Conqueror, conquered England and government strayed from Alfred's form. Government became highly centralized, and the rights of the common people were abused. The people became so fed up with this abuse of rights, that they were forced to do something. In 1215, a group of Barons forced the King to sign a contract drawn up called the Magna Charta, or, "The Great Charter". This stated that the king must be under the same laws as the people. The Pope declared the Magna Charta illegal and against God's laws, but the people promoted it, and it gave them their freedoms. This short outline gives the main events in England's long road to liberty. One thing that deserves mentioning is that ironically, where modern Liberty began, is the exact same spot that the Pilgrims left to find their own liberty. When a country strays from God, the people lose liberty.
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