Harvard’s Rare Magna Carta Discovery: A Historic Find
BOSTON — Harvard University has unveiled a surprising revelation regarding its collection of historical documents: a faded and stained manuscript previously believed to be a cheap copy of the Magna Carta is now thought to be a rare version from 1300, issued by Britain’s King Edward I.
The original Magna Carta, established in 1215, laid the foundational principle that the king is subject to the law, shaping constitutions worldwide. Previously, only six copies of the 1300 version were known to exist.
David Carpenter, a medieval history professor, discovered the digitized document while researching at Harvard Law School Library in December 2023. "Finding a previously unknown Magna Carta was a profound moment," Carpenter stated, expressing his astonishment that Harvard had held it for so long without realizing its significance.
Carpenter collaborated with Nicholas Vincent, another medieval history expert, to verify the document’s authenticity. By examining its physical characteristics and using advanced imaging technology, they confirmed that the writing and dimensions corresponded with established copies of the 1300 version.
The findings illustrated that the 1300 Magna Carta differs from its predecessors in several important ways. Harvard met rigorous standards for authenticity, with Carpenter noting the university passed "with flying colors."
This newfound document is estimated to be worth millions, though Harvard has no intention of selling it, especially considering a 1297 version auctioned for $21.3 million in 2007.
Tracing its origins, Vincent discovered that the manuscript was purchased by Harvard in 1946 for just $27.50 from a London book dealer, originally misdated to 1327. It previously belonged to a World War I flying ace with connections to historical figures involved in anti-slavery campaigns.
While Vincent believes this document to be the Appleby Magna Carta, he acknowledges that definitive proof is still needed.
Plans are being made for Vincent and Carpenter to visit Harvard in June to examine the Magna Carta firsthand. This discovery comes at a time when Harvard faces challenges regarding governance and its role in academia, making the historical document even more poignant.
As a symbol of individual liberty and self-governance, the Magna Carta remains relevant, inspiring new generations to engage with the principles of democracy. "To think that Magna Carta could inspire new generations to contemplate individual liberty is very exciting," said Amanda Watson, assistant dean at Harvard Law School.
