Lost Magna Carta at Harvard Confirmed as Rare 1300 Original Worth Millions

What was once thought to be a faded "copy" of the Magna Carta has now been confirmed as an authentic and extraordinarily rare original from the year 1300. The document, held by Harvard Law School and purchased for just $27.50 in 1946, is now considered one of the most valuable historical manuscripts in the world.

Decades-Old Mistake Uncovered

Two leading medieval historians, Professors David Carpenter and Nicholas Vincent, uncovered the truth behind the manuscript, catalogued as HLS MS 172. Originally described in an auction as a "somewhat rubbed and damp-stained" 1327 copy, it was long overlooked. However, after analysing digitised images of the document, Prof. Carpenter determined it to be a true original from the reign of King Edward I. "This is the last Magna Carta," he stated, calling it a foundational piece of constitutional history.

The Magna Carta, first issued in 1215 under King John, is seen as a cornerstone in the development of civil liberties and constitutional law. It was reissued multiple times through 1300, with around 200 originals believed to have been produced. Today, only 25 are known to survive.

A Priceless Historical Artifact

This newly identified 1300 Magna Carta likely originated from Appleby, Cumbria. The professors traced its ownership through the Lowther family, abolitionist Thomas Clarkson, and eventually to the Maynard family. It was sold at Sotheby's in 1945 for £42 and purchased shortly afterward by Harvard for a fraction of that price.

While its exact value remains uncertain, a 1297 Magna Carta sold for $21 million in 2007, suggesting Harvard's find could be worth a similar amount. The manuscript is partly damaged and faded, so experts used ultraviolet and spectral imaging to analyse it. Its handwriting, dimensions, and precise wording matched those of the other known 1300 originals.

A New Chapter for a Global Icon

Harvard Law School's Assistant Dean for Library Services, Amanda Watson, praised the discovery, noting the vital role librarians play in preserving and revealing hidden treasures. The scholars hope this rediscovered Magna Carta will soon be put on public display, offering new generations the chance to connect with one of history's most influential documents.

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