The Barons represent the real-life barons who confronted King John at Runnymede and demanded he sign the original Magna Carta. Each one has been decorated by a different artist and all 25 of the Barons were placed at locations throughout the city for visitors to view.
Those who followed the trail and found every one of the barons would also find a letter on each. Work out the phrase once you have all the letters and it would lead you to a local business where you would get a bag of King John’s gold coins.
Here you can see a map of the Barons locations on the original Charter Trail.
The Stories of The Barons
If you know your favourite Baron, then use these quick links to find it. Otherwise, we hope you enjoy reading and learning about each one individually.
Mmm…Lincolnshire Baron
Dedicated to all things foodie in Lincolnshire, from award-winning fish and chips and Lincolnshire sausages, to plum loaf, Poacher cheese and fresh local vegetables.
The Real-Life Baron: William de Forz, Earl of Albemarle
William was the only baron who stood with King John against the other Barons after the king refused to accept the Magna Carta. Later on, he became an ambassador for the king and died at sea on his way to the crusades in the Holy Land in 1242.
Artist: Carolyn Short
Carolyn holds a BA (Hons) in Illustration from DeMontford University and, since graduating, she has worked as a community-based artist, focusing on 3D mixed media art and working with schools and local art providers. She now lives in Stallingborough near Grimsby along with her pet guinea pig Alphonso.
Lindum Soldier
The Lindum Soldier was inspired by Lincoln’s Roman history, when the city was originally known as ‘Lindum Colonia’. The design is an homage to the Roman industrial nature and the fact that the city grew large and prosperous under their influence.
The Real-Life Baron: William De Huntingfield
As High Sheriff of Norfolk and Suffolk, William was an active rebel in the first Barons’ War. He was also one of the twenty-five Barons chosen to ensure King John signed the Magna Carta at their initial meeting. After this, he turned his attentions to France and supported their invasion of England before dying in the Fifth Crusade in 1219.
Artist: Deven Bhurke
Based in Hampshire, Deven Bhurke is an artist and graphic designer who adopts a very versatile style when working. He has previously worked on a number of Wild in Art projects, including Year of the Bus London and Croydon, The BigHoot Birmingham 2015, BooksAboutTown London 2014, GoGoDragons Norwich 2015 and Go!Rhinos Southampton 2013.
Steampunk Baron
Steampunk is an integral part of Lincoln’s culture, with the annual Steampunk celebration held each year becoming one of the largest of its kind in the country. Steampunk is where the past meets contemporary style and that was the inspiration behind the design of the Baron.
The Real-Life Baron: Richard De Clare
Richard de Clare was the 3rd Earl of Hertford and sided with the barons against King John. However, although he eventually made peace with the king, his castle of Tonbridge was taken anyway. He eventually married Amice Fitzwilliam and later on, he and his son were excommunicated by the pope in 1215 and Richard died in 1217 in Oxfordshire.
Artist: John Naylor and The Lincoln Steampunks
Lincoln Steampunks were proud to be chosen to paint and sponsor one of the Lincoln Barons. This was a fantastic opportunity that would spread the world of Steampunk, as well as celebrate the anniversary of the Magna Carta.
The 1960s Baron
This year marks two special anniversaries for Lincoln: The 800th year of the Magna Carta and 50 years of the Lincoln Hotel. In honour of the Hotel, this Baron has been decorated in a 60s style, complete with bright floral patterns and retro designs.
The Real-Life Baron: Robert De Vere
Robert was the 3rd Earl of Oxford and, together with other Magna Carta barons, he was excommunicated as a rebel by Pope Innocent III on 16 December 1215. He also went with them to offer the crown of England instead to Prince Louis of France. Despite this, Oxford became loyal to the crown after the death of King John and later served as a king’s justice from 1220-21. He died in 1221 and was buried at Hatfield Regis Priory.
Artist: Rosie Ablewhite
Rosie currently works from in her studio in Lincoln and her work has been on display in The Usher Gallery and Lincoln Art Works. She style focuses predominantly on graphite and acrylic with a variety of subjects.
The Baron of Riches
This Baron illustrates the riches that Lincolnshire has to offer, particularly the Fens. These marsh lands of the wash provide a rich habitat for birds, marine life and animals, as well good soil for vegetable growers, whilst possibly hiding the valuable treasure left by King John!
The Real-Life Baron: Henry De Bohun
As Earl of Hereford and Constable of England from 1199 to 1220 Henry was a supporter of King Louis VIII of France in the war that followed the Magna Carta. He was captured at the Battle of Lincoln in 1217 and then died while on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land in 1220.
Artist: Vanessa Glockling
Vanessa works with mosaics since falling in love with the wide variety of materials, colours and designs. She feels that mosaics reflect the way she sees the world, finding harmony through a rich tapestry of patterns, shapes and textures – the perfect medium for this Baron’s design.
Truck Driver Baron
The design for this Truck Driver Baron was inspired by the changes that have occurred to transportation over the years. From horse and cart to modern lorries, this Baron combines traditional artwork with a contemporary flair.
The Real-Life Baron: Roger Bigod
The 2nd Earl of Norfolk and supporter of the King, Roger nevertheless joined the Barons against King John, along with his son and heir. They were both excommunicated by the pope in December 1215 and eventually died in 1221.
Artist: Carolyn Short
Carolyn also designed the Mmm… Lincolnshire Baron and with this Baron she used bold colours and shapes to bring to life the Truck Driver Baron.
Wild Flower Statue Baron
This Baron represents both the history and the wild nature of Lincolnshire. It was designed to look as if it had been standing in the same spot for years, allowing nature to adapt and grow around it. All the flowers painted on the Baron have been found growing in the wild around Lincolnshire.
The Real-Life Baron: William d’Albini
William d’Albini was Lord of Belvoir Castle and was a key member of the rebel organisation against King John. During the war that followed the sealing of the Magna Carta, William held Rochester Castle for the barons, and was nearly hanged after John captured it. He later became a loyalist after the accession of Henry III.
Artist: Fern Lough
Fern is a Culinary Arts Management graduate with a passion for art. This particular piece has been influenced by Fern’s interest in anatomy and natural surroundings, which she expresses using various mediums and forms.
Bomber Baron
The Bomber Baron has been decked out as a Second World War Lancaster Bomber pilot of Squadron Leader rank. On him, you will see symbols of this well-known aircraft as this Baron represents the significance of Lincolnshire’s proud military aviation history.
The Real-Life Baron: William De Mowbray
William was an English noble who is often described as being ‘as small as a dwarf’ but was known for being very generous and valiant. He supported the claim of the French king during the Barons’ War before being taken prisoner at the Battle of Lincoln. He died in 1224 and was buried at Axholme Abbey in Lincolnshire.
Artist: Jemima Cholmondeley-Smith
Jemima is an artist who practises figurative drawing and painting, taking inspiration from the people and places around her, as well as significant historical and contemporary personalities. After studying art from the First and Second World Wars art, Jemima developed an interest in military history and her work has shown to be inspired by this passion.
An Expansive Place Baron
This design by Lizzy Mason is based on the expansive nature and stunning beauty of Lincolnshire’s diverse countryside. This single county offers vast fertile soils, thriving tourism, abundant coastlines, rare and wonderful nature, places of beauty and a rich heritage that comes together to create a fantastic tapestry of life.
The Real-Life Baron: Richard De Percy
Richard de Percy was a member of the powerful Percy family from the north of England. He joined the revolt against King John after Magna Carta and had all his lands confiscated, but he got them all back after making peace with King Henry III after the death of King John. He died in 1244 and was buried in Whitby Abbey.
Artist: Lizzy Mason
Lizzy Mason is a local artist who believes that life is art and is an expression of the joy of life through our connection to source, light, love, a higher self. In her Baron design, Lizzy has brought out the beauty of nature and displayed it with bold colours and intricate detail.
The People’s Baron
The People’s Baron really is all about people, embellished with 350 miniature portraits on bottle top jewels with paper chain clothes signifying chain mail, the strength of people standing together and the single long unbroken text of the Magna Carta.
The Real-Life Baron: William De Lanvallei
William de Lanvallei was governor of Colchester Castle and also Lord of Walkern. He accompanied King John on his expedition to Poitou in 1214 and was present at the truce that followed. William was related to several of the Magna Carta Barons who rebelled against the King and died the same year the war ended in 1217.
Artist: Cynthia Harrison
Cynthia Harrison is an artist and designer who explores the human condition, what drives them, what motivates them and what lies beneath the surface. What she learns, she then translates into various mediums via her artwork.
Teacher Baron
Inspired by the many great teachers working in schools across Lincolnshire, the Teacher Baron represents the potential that every child has to succeed, encouraged by a caring and dedicated teacher. Every child can become someone amazing, given the right encouragement and support and that’s what this Baron honours.
The Real-Life Baron: William Marshall II
The first William Marshall was famous for serving all of the king’s in King John’s family, and his son, William Marshall II was effectively held hostage in the King’s court from the age of 15 until he was 22 in order to guarantee his father’s loyalty. The son understandably rebelled against the King and fought on the side of the French in the first Barons’ War but re-joined the Royalist side and fought alongside his father at the Battle of Lincoln in 1217.
Artist: Rebekah Lockley
Rebekah graduated from Falmouth University in 2013 and since then has returned to Lincoln to set up her own ceramic studio called RubyRebekah Ceramics.
Wings of an Angel
The stunning designs in the windows of Lincoln Cathedral inspired this Baron, showcasing the exceptional detail and beautiful patterns of the windows themselves. The play between light and dark on the Baron also represents the many hidden secrets that Lincoln itself has to offer.
The Real-Life Baron: Geoffrey De Mandeville
Geoffrey de Mandeville was 2nd Earl of Essex and 4th Earl of Gloucester who married Isabel of Gloucester after her marriage to King John was annulled. Geoffrey ended up having to pay the king a huge sum of money to be allowed to wed Isabel but unfortunately he died only two years later from an accident whilst participating in a tournament with a French knight.
Artist: Louise Jardine
Louise Jardine’s work represents a sense of reality through the use of shape, form and structure and her design on the Baron displays her skill with both colour and form.
Freeman Baron
This Baron was inspired by Henry Ruddock, a freeman of the City of Lincoln and who runs Ruddocks of Lincoln, one of the oldest family-run businesses in Lincoln.
The Real-Life Baron: John De Lacy
John de Lacy was Baron of Halton and joined a crusade when Henry III ascended to the throne. Later on he became Earl of Lincoln after his marriage to Margaret de Quincey, Countess of Lincoln. He died on 22 July 1240 and was buried at the Abbey of Stanlaw.
Artist: Leah Goldberg
Working in gouache and acrylic paint, Leah takes her inspiration from nature and the world around her. She remarked that she enjoyed the challenge of working to a brief or commission, combined with the freedom of designing personal paintings from imagination.
Baron Mayor of Lincoln
The City of Lincoln is one of many cities across the UK that has its own Mayor and the historical importance of this ancient office inspired this Baron. For an artist, the bold contrasting colours of the Mayor’s robes made for a truly eye-catching design.
The Real-Life Baron: William Hardel
William Hardel was Lord Mayor of London where a lot of the opposition against King John originated from. The Barons looked to London to try and force King John to carry out the promises he had agreed to in the Magna Carta. William stayed on the rebel side until the death of King John, when he returned to the royalist side.
Artist: Leah Goldberg
This is the second Baron designed by Leah and is a beautiful and striking dedication to the Mayor of Lincoln, complete with bold red colours and Chain of Office.
The Graduate Baron
The artist of this Baron studied both at college and university here in Lincoln and so used this as inspiration for her design. Lincoln University brings a diverse community to the City and many of our graduates have gone on to do great things, both here and across the UK.
The Real-Life Baron: Hugh Bigod
Hugh was the 3rd Earl of Norfolk, and son of one of the other Barons, Roger Bigod. He was excommunicated by the Pope with his father in 1215 and then succeeded his father’s estates in 1221.
Artist: Rosie Ablewhite
This is Rosie’s second Baron design and, as a graduate of Lincoln University in 2010, she has used this experience as inspiration.
Anything Goes Baron
The Anything Goes Baron is a wild card – quirky and full of character! His young designer was inspired to do a funky design influenced by today’s style trends, which means it had to be bright, bold and beautiful.
The Real-Life Baron: John FitzRobert
John FitzRobert was Lord of Warkworth Castle and was one of the Surety Barons in the Magna Carta. He married Ada de Balliol and his daughter Cecily married the Earl of Dunbar. He died in a few years after the rebellion ended in 1240.
Artist: Anna Carter
Anna is the youngest artist to have designed a Baron. At just 13 years old, Anna clearly has a strong passion for art and design. This particularly design has been influenced by Anna’s love of things bright and bold! After all, Anything Goes!
Station Master Baron
Lincolnshire has a long and proud history relating to the railways and this baron is dedicated to that history. The Baron is depicted wearing a stylised station master’s uniform, with various railway memorabilia around the base. He is decorated with signals, timetables, and various images from the past that proudly show off our love of the railways and on the back of the Baron is an impressionistic image of a steam locomotive crossing the bridge at Brayford Pool.
The Real-Life Baron: Geoffrey De Say
Geoffrey de Say was a cousin of another baron, Geoffrey de Mandeville, but even though they were on the same side, the two were also rivals for the family inheritance – both had a claim on the lands of William de Mandeville. De Say sided with the French after Magna Carta and only reverted back to the King’s side once the rebellion was defeated.
Artist: Peter Annable
An artist, illustrator, and art tutor who enjoys painting, including portraits, landscapes and animals. Peter is also a full member of the Guild of Railway Artists and has recently written and illustrated a children’s book entitled ‘Durdle The Dragon’.
Proud To Be A Yellowbelly
Those who have lived in Lincolnshire or were born here will have heard the term ‘yellowbelly’ at least once. It is a name given to someone born and bred in Lincolnshire although the meaning behind the name has never been officially confirmed.
The Real-Life Baron: Gilbert De Clare
Gilbert de Clare was the 4th Earl of Hertford and in 1215 Gilbert and his father were two of the Barons who championed the French king in the First Barons’ War. Gilbert was taken prisoner in 1217 by William Marshal (father of William Marshal II), whose daughter Isabel he later married.
Artist: Ruth Pigott
Ruth is a mixed media artist who trained as a Theatre Designer and, since living in Lincolnshire from 2001, she has worked as a local community artist. She is also the Artistic Director of Curiosity Creators, a company which has been created to support local community groups and schools with art-based projects.
The Beekeeper Baron
The Beekeeper Baron was inspired by the artists’ love of bees and the history of bee-keeping in Lincolnshire. Across the Baron’s back is a monastic scene of a monk attending his straw hives, which were known back then as ‘skeps’. Dressed as a traditional beekeeper, the Baron wears a white suit, carries a hive tool instead of a sword, and his shield is decorated with a copper smoker.
The Real-Life Baron: Robert De Ros
Robert de Ros was Lord of Hemsley Castle, which he built, and Sheriff of Cumberland. He was originally on the King’s side when the stirrings of rebellion began, but later joined the Baron’s against the King. He died in 1227 and was buried in a magnificent tomb in the Temple Church in London.
Artist: Susan Webber
Susan Webber studied Illustration at the University of the West of England and graduated with a BA (Hons) and a gold award from the Association of Illustrators for New Talent. Susan’s primary skill lies in storytelling and attention to detail.
Young Baron
The Young baron represents Richard de Montfichet, who was a teenager when the Magna Carta was signed. Sporting the grand spiral of Pere Ubu and a street style of graffiti art, this Baron illustrates young people and their self-determination, personal freedom and independence.
The Real-Life Baron: Richard de Montfichet
Even though he was only around 15 years old at the time, Richard was a prominent member of the twenty-five barons. He supported Louis VIII of France’s claim to the throne both before and after King John’s death, and was taken prisoner in Lincoln during the battle there in 1217. After this he returned to loyalty, and recovered his lands in the following October.
Artist: Richard Knight
Richard is a graduate of Leeds and St Martins, London and has worked for more than twenty years in community arts, particularly with youth groups in Lincolnshire. Richard is also a writer and teacher, specialising in Film Studies.
Construction Baron
Lincoln City has some of the most impressive and picturesque landmarks and buildings in the world, enjoys a rich agricultural heritage, and also a diverse and vibrant landscape. This design sorts through these many layers and displays our industrial nature for all to see.
The Real-Life Baron: Eustace De Vesci
Eustace de Vesci was Lord of Alnwick Castle and joined the rest of the Barons by aligning with the French king against King John. He is one of the few Barons who was killed during the rebellion, shot through the head with an arrow while besieging a castle in 1216.
Artist: Peter Segasby
Peter graduated in 1973 from the Lincoln College of Art and went onto great success with an international career in graphic design. Painting has always been his passion and more recently he’s jointly opened an art gallery at The Old Methodist Chapel in Branston which exhibits local and international artists, as well as his own work.
Lincolnshire Waterways Baron
The waterways around Lincolnshire are an integral part of our culture and our history. The Waterways Baron reminds people of the county’s waterways heritage, and the potential that our canal and river routes offer to the future of Lincolnshire tourism.
The Real-Life Baron: Roger De Montbegon
Roger de Montbegon was Lord of Hornby Castle in Lancashire and was one of the Barons who rebuffed King John in lieu of fighting for France. Although he was originally on the side of the French king when the battles first began, Roger avoided actually partaking in the battles himself and subsequently made his peace with Henry III in 1217.
Artist: Melanie Clare
Melanie is a Lincolnshire-based journeyman painter with The Waterways Craft Guild. She works to maintain the tradition of canal art, both on and around the waterways. Melanie adheres to the colours and motifs developed from this unique art form, focusing on designing decorative doors, panels and ancillary objects for boats and homes.
Red Arrows Baron
The Red Arrows are as much a part of Lincolnshire as the Wolds and the Fens. This design was inspired by the new Union Jack tail fin on the red Arrows’ famous jets. Additionally, this particular baron has been painted with the help of nominated young people from across Lincoln.
The Real-Life Baron: Robert FitzWalter
Robert Fitzwalter was the leader of the rebel barons. He was a feudal baron in Essex and Constable of Baynard’s Castle in London. He was one of the envoys who invited Prince Louis to England, and was the first of the barons to do homage when Louis entered London. He served Louis with fidelity until he was captured at the battle of Lincoln in May 1217. After the peace, he joined the Fifth Crusade, but returned soon to make his peace with the regency. The rest of his life was uneventful, and he died in 1235.
Artist: Ruth Pigott and Team
This is Ruth’s second Baron design and would like to thanks Hannah, Maisie, Abbie, Lucy, Talia, Sophie, Becci, Jake and Shaeleigh for helping to complete this exceptional job.
Sir Walter Style
Baron Walter Style features bright colours, inspired by the theme of ‘fashion through the ages’. Walter was named by a nominated Waterside shopper and includes an array of eye-catching clothes and accessories, representing Lincoln’s vibrant shopping scene.
The Real-Life Baron: William Malet
William Malet was a feudal baron of Curry Mallet in Somerset and was also Sheriff of Somerset and Dorset. He was one of the barons who owed a great deal of money to the King. He died in December 2015, only a few months after Magna Carta.
Artist: Mel Langton
Mel is a local Lincolnshire designer and illustrator who loves digital design and paintbrushes and pens in equal measure. Producing a variety of work including painted canvasses, posters, t-shirt designs and limited edition prints, Mel’s work has a distinctly graphic, edgy and alternative illustrative style.
Baron of the Crystal Hues
This design was inspired by the stained glass windows of Lincoln Cathedral contrasting intense colours of glass with dark traceries. This Baron was sponsored by Humberside airport and the design pays tribute to 166 Squadron that was based at RAF Kirmington during the Second World War.
The Real-Life Baron: Saer De Quincy
Saer de Quincy was Earl of Winchester and fought against the king during the Barons’ Wars. De Quincey also went to France in person to convince the French king to fight for the English throne. After Henry III won the war with the Barons, de Quincey went on crusade in 1219 and subsequently died during the journey.
Artist: Lesley Ann Withers
Working as an arts teacher, arts curriculum adviser, and community arts facilitator, Lesley has a lot of experience to pour into her design. She has worked on a number of public art works, including murals and wall hangings and her company, Stitchin’ Time, offers sewing and textiles courses to schools and community groups across the county.
The Future of the Barons
On October 1st each of the 25 Barons will be auctioned off for charity. The auction is a ticketed event to be held at the DoubleTree Hilton on Brayford Waterfront. You can also watch the auction live via YouTube on the night.
Tickets cost £20 per person and you can buy the Baron auction catalogue for £5.
The money raised from the auction will go to the Trussell Trust, an organisation that provides food banks and support for those experiencing crisis in the UK.
