1300 Magna Carta displayed in a frame.
Share this @internewscast.com

A CHEAP copy of the monumental Magna Carta bought by Harvard University for $27 is actually an original worth a whopping $21million (£16million).

A stunning discovery was made when two researchers examined the “print” and identified it as an uncommon edition of a document issued by Edward I.

1300 Magna Carta displayed in a frame.
The 1300 copy of Magna Carta owned by Harvard Law School has been revealed to be an original worth millionsCredit: PA
Researchers using imaging technology on a Magna Carta copy.
Researchers analysed the print which originally cost $27Credit: AP
Page of an auction catalogue listing medieval manuscripts and a Magna Carta.
A Sotheby’s auction catalogue listing that wrongly categorises the original issue 1300 Magna Carta as a copy, picturedCredit: PA

The original Magna Carta established in 1215 famously stated that the King is subject to law.

The landmark charter, intended to make peace between King John and rebel barons in the 13th century, has formed the basis of constitutions globally.

Until now, it was believed that there were only four copies of the 1215 original and just six copies of the 1300 version.

But the groundbreaking discovery has now changed that fact – bringing the total amount of 1300 copies to seven.

Professor of medieval history at King’s College London David Carpenter said his reaction was one of “amazement, and in a way, awe”.

He had been searching the Harvard Law School Library website in December 2023 when he found the digitised document.

The researcher said: “First, I’d found one of the most rare documents and most significant documents in world constitutional history.

“But secondly, of course, it was astonishment that Harvard had been sitting on it for all these years without realizing what it was.”

Carpenter collaborated with Nicholas Vincent, a medieval history professor at the University of East Anglia, to investigate and verify the document’s origin.

Comparing it wit six other authentic copies from 1300, they made the shocking discovery that the dimensions matched up.

Moment elderly Just Stop Oil eco-zealots use hammer & chisel to smash glass around Magna Carta

The pair then turned to images Harvard librarians created using ultraviolet light and spectral imaging.

This technology helps to highlight details on faded documents which are not perceivable to the naked eye.

With these images, they compared the text word-for-word and handwriting which included a large capital “E” at the start of “Edwardus”.

Although the first version 1250 was annulled, the charter was reissued in 1300 by Edward I.

It promised protection of church rights, limits on taxes and access to impartial justice.

Four of its clauses, including the guarantee of fair legal process, have survived and are still enshrined in law to this day.

Researchers using imaging technology on a copy of the Magna Carta.
Researchers analysed fine details that cannot be seen by the human eyeCredit: AP
Close-up of a 1300 Magna Carta displayed at Harvard Law School.
They compared text word-for-word and handwriting which included a large capital ‘E’ at the start of ‘Edwardus’Credit: AP
Librarian using imaging technology to analyze a faded Magna Carta.
Technology was used to help its librarians see details the rare, faded copyCredit: AP

According to Carpenter, the 1300 edition of Magna Carta differs from earlier versions in numerous minor ways, with each change appearing consistently throughout the document.

Harvard needed a copy that could prove authenticity, and Carpenter said they passed this test “with flying colours”.

The tattered and faded copy is now worth millions of dollars – a 1297 version of the Magna Carta sold at auction for $21.3million in 2007.

But Harvard have no plans to sell it now.

The mysterious journey it took to end up in the hands of the university was uncovered mainly by Vincent, who traced it back to the former parliamentary borough of Appleby in Westmorland, England.

The Harvard Law School library purchased the “copy” in 1946 from a London-based book dealer for a mere $27.50.

It was wrongly dated as a 1327 version when it was bought.

What is the Magna Carta?

by Harvey Geh

The Magna Carta, signed in 1215, was a landmark English document that limited the king’s power and established the principle that everyone, including the monarch, is subject to the law.

It sought to prevent the king from exploiting his power, and placed limits of royal authority by establishing law as a power in itself.

The first version of Magna Carta was issued in 1215 at Runnymede – a field by the River Thames between Windsor and Staines, during a political crisis and uprising against the king.

Sealed charters granting rights were issued by lords and kings, but this one was unique because it came from a rebellion by England’s leading nobles.

Magna Carta means Great Charter in Latin.

The document contained a total of 63 different clauses, setting out rules concerning land ownership, taxes and legal rights.

The researcher then determined the document was sent to an auction house in 1945 via a World War pilot.

War hero Forester Maynard inherited the archives from Thomas and John Clarkson – leading campaigners against the slave trade.

Thomas Clarkson had become friends with William Lowther, hereditary lord of the manor of Appleby.

Vincent speculates the lord gave the document to Clarkson.

The researcher said there was “a chain of connection there, as it were, a smoking gun” but there lacked clear proof that it was the Appleby Magna Carta.

“But it seems to me very likely that it is,” he said.

Vincent still wants to find a letter or other documentation confirming the Magna Carta was given to Thomas Clarkson.

The two researchers will visit Harvard in June to see its Magna Carta firsthand.

Portrait of David Carpenter, professor of medieval history at King's College London.
David Carpenter, a professor of medieval history at King’s College LondonCredit: AP
Professor Nicholas Vincent sitting at his desk.
Nicholas Vincent, a professor of medieval history at the University of East AngliaCredit: AP
Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Mother of slain soldier held by Hamas terrorists for 4K days makes plea to Trump

Plea to Trump by Mother of Soldier Held by Hamas for 4,000 Days

It has been 4,000 days since Hadar Goldin, a 23-year-old Israeli soldier…
Chinese illegal immigrant crossings that surged during Biden admin a 'national security concern,' expert warns

Expert Warns: Surge in Chinese Illegal Immigration During Biden Administration Poses ‘National Security Concern’

A border security expert has raised alarms over the significant influx of…
Trump to make second UK state visit hosted by King Charles

Trump to Embark on Second UK State Visit, Hosted by King Charles

Trump, an avid admirer of the royal family, especially the monarch, will…
‘Scrubs’ Reboot Gets Series Order From ABC, with Zach Braff, Donald Faison and Sarah Chalke All Returning

ABC Orders ‘Scrubs’ Reboot Series with Zach Braff, Donald Faison, and Sarah Chalke Set to Return

TLC might not have wanted “No Scrubs,” but ABC wants some —…
Woman in cosplay holding a large sword.

Russia Alleges Anime Cosplayer with Weapons Attempted Attack on Military Officer for Ukraine

VLADIMIR Putin has accused Ukraine’s secret service of recruiting a young anime-loving…
Idaho four murder victim's sister reveals 'weird' three-word text message hours before stabbings

Sister of Idaho murder victim shares eerie three-word text sent hours prior to attack

Ethan Chapin’s sister, Mazie, revealed the final message sent by her brother,…
Garrett Wilson gets Jets payday with historic $130 million contract

Garrett Wilson Scores Big with Record-Breaking $130 Million Contract from Jets

Garrett Wilson got a pretty hefty birthday present from the Jets. The…
Wildfire along Grand Canyon's North Rim destroys historic lodge and is spreading rapidly

Historic Lodge Destroyed as Wildfire Rapidly Spreads Along Grand Canyon’s North Rim

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (AP) — A wildfire that destroyed a historic lodge and…
A gang surrounding a car, attacking the driver.

Drake’s Rapper Friend Stabbed in London Post-Concert Amid Horrifying Scene of Crowd Attacking Car and Shattering Windshield

A RAPPER was stabbed hours after watching Drake’s final Wireless Festival set.…
Hearing begins for Marni Yang to present new evidence in murder of Rhoni Reuter, pregnant girlfriend of Bears star Shaun Gayle

Marni Yang Presents New Evidence in Case Involving Murder of Rhoni Reuter, Pregnant Partner of Bears Star Shaun Gayle

In Lake County, Illinois, Marni Yang, formerly a Chicago real estate agent,…
Yankees voice Dave Sims fires back at Boomer Esiason over games he 'blew off'

Yankees Announcer Dave Sims Responds to Boomer Esiason’s Criticism About Skipping Games

Yankees radio announcer Dave Sims has no regrets about taking time off…

Introducing the ‘Sea Spaceship’: A Futuristic Luxury Yacht Promising a Refined, Million-Dollar Getaway

A FUTURISTIC luxury yacht that’s dubbed a “sea spaceship” has been unveiled.…