A Rare Original Magna Carta Discovered at Harvard Law School
A recent discovery by experts from King’s College London and the University of East Anglia has revealed that a document owned by Harvard Law School, believed to be a mere copy of the Magna Carta, is actually an exceedingly rare original. This document, acquired by the US institution in the 1940s for a mere $27.50, is one of only seven surviving copies from King Edward I’s issue of the Magna Carta in 1300.
The Magna Carta, dating back to June 1215, is considered one of the most important documents in the world as it laid down the principle that the king and his government were not above the law. This document has been a precursor to democracy, the basis of legal systems worldwide, and a cornerstone of human rights conventions.
King Edward I later issued a final version of the Magna Carta with minor changes in 1300, known as the Confirmation of the Charters. This reaffirmation of the original document signed by King John marked the last full issue of the Magna Carta.
Surprisingly, in 1946, the Harvard Law School Library purchased what was thought to be a copy of the Magna Carta for a nominal sum. However, recent research has confirmed that this document is indeed an original, making it a priceless artifact with historical significance.
Professor David Carpenter of King’s College London expressed his excitement over this discovery, emphasizing the significance of Harvard’s Magna Carta as an original document of immense historical importance. This finding further solidifies the Magna Carta’s status as a cornerstone of freedoms past, present, and future.
This remarkable revelation sheds new light on the enduring legacy of the Magna Carta and its profound impact on constitutional history. The document’s importance in shaping legal systems and safeguarding individual rights continues to resonate today, making it a priceless artifact treasured by Harvard Law School and the world at large.
© Agence France-Presse
