The King sent a hundred copies of this important document to the
leading abbots and bishops for preservation in their respective
monasteries and cathedrals (S45).

As this charter was the earliest written and formal guarantee of good
government ever given by the Crown to the nation, it marks an
important epoch in English history. It may be compared to the
statements of principles and pledges issued by our modern political
parties. It was a virtual admission that the time had come when even
a Norman sovereign could not dispense with the support of the
country. It was therefore an admission of the truth that while a
people can exist without a king, no king can exist without a people.

Furthermore, this charter established a precedent for those which were
to follow, and which reached a final development in the Great Charter
wrested from the unwilling hand of King John somewhat more than a
century later (S198). Henry further strengthened his position with
his English subjects by his marriage with Maud, nice of the Saxon
Edgar, a direct descendant of King Alfred (S51).

136. The Appointment of Bishops settled.

King Henry also recalled Anselm (S132) and reinstated him in his
office. But the peace was of short duration. The Archbishop
insisted, as did the Pope, that the power of appointment of bishops
should be vested wholly in Rome. The King was equally determined that
such appointments should spring from himself. Like William the
Conqueror (S118), he declared: "No one shall remain in my land who
will not do me homage" (S86).