A Rare and Priceless Piece of History: The Authentic Magna Carta
The discovery of an extremely rare and valuable piece of history has left historians and scholars absolutely astonished. A manuscript once thought to be part of an unofficial copy of the Magna Carta is now believed to be a genuine artifact from British history, dating back to 1300 AD.
This incredible relic was acquired by Harvard Law School in 1946 for just $27.50, and it has been safely filed in their library ever since. The document was verified as an original Magna Carta by two medieval history professors, Prof David Carpenter from King’s College London, and Prof Nicholas Vincent of the University of East Anglia.
The Magna Carta is a royal charter that established the freedoms and rights of subjects and placed the Crown under the authority of law. It was first agreed to by King John in 1215 and was reissued by successive monarchs until 1300. The document has played a significant role in shaping the concept of constitutional law and remains one of the most important documents in world history.
The discovery of this authentic version of the Magna Carta is believed to be worth millions of pounds, with estimates suggesting it could fetch up to $21 million at auction. The document’s journey to America involves the Lowthers, one of the oldest arms-bearing families in the country, and eventually came into the possession of Thomas Clarkson, a leading abolitionist of the 1780s.
Academics used advanced imaging techniques, including ultraviolet light and spectral imaging, to examine the document and verify its authenticity. The handwriting and dimensions were consistent with those of the six previously known 1300 originals, providing crucial proof of its genuineness. This remarkable discovery highlights the importance of preserving our historical heritage and sheds new light on this pivotal moment in British history.
The existence of 200 original Magna Cartas is believed, but only 24 survive today, with most being found in the UK. Two are housed in Washington DC’s National Archives, and one in Parliament House in Canberra, Australia. The discovery of this authentic version serves as a reminder of the significance of this document and its enduring impact on constitutional law.
The incredible story of the Magna Carta’s journey to America is one of intrigue and discovery, highlighting the importance of academic research and collaboration. As we continue to learn more about our shared history, it becomes clear that the preservation of these documents is crucial for understanding the complexities of the past and their ongoing impact on our present.
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