The Church was the part of English society most fully exempted from restrictions under Magna Carta. It was recognized as free from many royal controls, especially in matters of its own rights and administration.

Why that matters

Magna Carta was mainly about limiting the king’s power, but it also protected the Church’s independence. One famous clause states that the English Church should be free, which is why the Church is the standard answer to this question.

Simple wording

  • Answer: the Church.
  • Reason: it was granted special freedom and autonomy under the charter.

In short, if you’re answering this in a class or quiz, write: the Church.