Members from a museum in Trowbridge’s twin town Leer in Germany visited the County Town last weekend to discover more about its connections with the Magna Carta.

Three members from the Heimatmuseum in Leer came to learn more about Trowbridge’s role in the Magna Carta, as the town was Henry de Bohun’s headquarters. He was one of 25 barons elected to enforce the charter.

Next year is the 800th anniversary of King John being forced to agree to the charter. Heimatmuseum is interested because in 1611 the then Count of East Frisia signed what has been called the Magna Carta of East Frisia.

The Magna Carta was the first charter to limit the power of the king and to uphold individuals’ rights.

Andy Milroy, who helped organise the visit, said: “It will be very interesting for us to work together in 2015 to explore this fascinating link and discover how Magna Carta influenced the way our two communities developed.

“Magna Carta has been taught in German schools for some years, whereas its introduction to the English curriculum is new. This great interest in the charter in Germany helps to highlight that the celebration of Magna Carta next year will be global.

“Over 100 countries worldwide trace their democratic institutions back to Magna Carta. We should take great pride in the fact that Trowbridge played such a significant role in such an important event.”