Jay-Z made an unscheduled appearance to Salisbury cathedral to see the Magna Carta, the 13th century English rights document, which is the namesake of his album: Magna Carta Holy Grail. He visited the cathedral shortly after the Sunday (14th July) service finished.

Shawn Carter
Jay-Z at The Great Gatsby premiere, New York.

One wouldn't imagine Jay-Z, a.k.a. Shawn Carter, would be such a tourist and he doesn't seem the type to spend his time wandering around English churches. He's proved everyone wrong though by visiting Salisbury Cathedral in order to see the Magna Carta. 

He was in the UK to play at the Wireless Festival with Justin Timberlake. The rapper appeared at the cathedral unannounced in order to see one of the remaining manuscripts. A source close to the rapper, speaking to the Sun, said the Jay-Z wished the event to remain low key, something he managed very well. The source said "he didn't want it to become a big publicity stunt". 

Jay Z and Justin Timberlake
Justin Timberlake and Jay-Z performing together at the Wireless Festival.

It may not have been a publicity stunt for Jay-Z but his appearance can hardly have hurt the cathedral's reputation. It would be interesting to see if the number of visitors the Cathedral receives increases after Jay-Z's appearance. 

The cathedral, in honour of Jay-Z's latest album, had displayed the album's artwork in the same room as the Magna Carta. The source close to Jay-Z said the Hip-Hop star was "genuinely touched to see his album near to the real-life Magna Carta in the chapter house". 

Jay-Z was a "delightful guest", according to Dean June Osbourne, and she offered him a tour of the cathedral. Osbourne also mentioned the rapper's reaction, saying "he was clearly moved by seeing the original Magna Carta". 

Jay Z
Jay-Z at a New York Yankees fundraising event.