A PORTRAIT of Henry de Bohun, the Magna Carta Baron, is to be unveiled at Trowbridge Museum when it reopens next year.

The portrait by West Ashton artist Paul Workman has been painted to commemorate this year’s 800th anniversary of Henry de Bohun’s death.

One of only two Magna Carta Barons from the Westcountry, Henry de Bohun was Constable of England during the reign of King John when the document was sealed.

He was elected to enforce the Charter, the massively important document that has ensured that future kings, and later English governments, are not above the law.

Author Andy Milroy published his book Henry de Bohun: Trowbridge Magna Carta Baron in 2015 for the 800th anniversary of the signing.

He says they have been unable to celebrate the 800th anniversary of the Baron’s death in Palestine this year because of the Covid-19 pandemic restrictions.

“We were hoping to commemorate his death on June 1 but the coronavirus lockdown restrictions meant all events and activities had to be cancelled or postponed.

“However, we’re hoping to unveil Paul Workman’s portrait of Henry de Bohun when Trowbridge Museum reopens in February.”

Mr Milroy’s book is on sale in the reception of Trowbridge Town Council offices at the Civic Centre at £4.95 each.

The Magna Carta frieze shown on the back of the book is over the main entrance of the UK Supreme Court in Parliament Square.

Henry de Bohun is shown leaning on his distinctive shield with his hand on the hilt of his sword.

A zinc statue of the great man stands in the Houses of Parliament at Westminster and there is a plaster original by Victorian scupltor and engineer Thomas Thornycroft in Trowbridge Museum.