In brief
Two British academics uncovered that a long-time overlooked manuscript in Harvard Law School’s library, purchased for only $27.50, is actually one of the rare originals of the Magna Carta dating back to 1300.
In a remarkable revelation, a manuscript housed at Harvard Law School for nearly 80 years is not merely a copy of the legendary Magna Carta, but an original document from 1300. Originally purchased for $27.50 in 1946 post-World War II, the manuscript had seen little scholarly attention until two British academics stumbled upon its true significance.David Carpenter, a professor at King’s College London, discovered the document in December 2023 during a casual search, expressing his disbelief at unearthing such a significant historical artifact. Alongside Nicholas Vincent from the University of East Anglia, the duo utilized advanced techniques such as ultraviolet photography and spectral imaging to authenticate the text.The Magna Carta, a crucial document that laid the groundwork for modern liberties by establishing the principle that even monarchs must adhere to the law, is one of only seven extant versions from 1300. While the exact valuation remains uncertain, considering the staggering $21.3 million price tag of another version sold in 2007, the original in Harvard may be one of the century’s biggest finds.This discovery comes at a time when Harvard faces scrutiny, adding layers of intrigue to the manuscript’s historical context. As the academic community begins to understand the importance of this find, it is poised to reignite discussions around the Magna Carta’s legacy in contemporary law and governance.
