Discover the Surprising Truth Behind Harvard’s ‘Affordable’ 1300 Copy of the Magna Carta

BOSTON — Harvard University thought for many years that it owned a simple copy of the Magna Carta, a worn-out document bought for less than $30. However, researchers recently discovered that it’s a much more significant piece: a rare version from 1300, issued by King Edward I of Britain.

The original Magna Carta, established in 1215, set the idea that even kings must follow the law. This document has shaped constitutions worldwide. There are only four original copies, and up until now, only six copies from the 1300 version were known to exist.

David Carpenter, a medieval history professor at King’s College London, was amazed when he found the digitized document on Harvard’s Law School Library website in December 2023. “It was astonishing to think Harvard didn’t know what they had for so long,” Carpenter said.

To verify its authenticity, Carpenter collaborated with Nicholas Vincent from the University of East Anglia. They compared Harvard’s document with the existing 1300 copies. Using advanced imaging technology, they could examine details invisible to the naked eye.

This specific version is distinct because it reflects changes made compared to earlier editions. Carpenter remarked, “It’s remarkable how many small tweaks were made in the 1300 version.”

Despite its faded appearance, Harvard’s document could be worth millions. A 1297 Magna Carta famously sold for $21.3 million at auction.

The journey of Harvard’s document is intriguing. Vincent discovered that it traced back to Appleby in Westmorland, England. The library acquired it in 1946 from a London dealer, mistakenly dating it to 1327. It previously belonged to a British war hero, Forster Maynard, who inherited it from anti-slavery activists Thomas and John Clarkson.

Vincent believes there’s compelling evidence linking it to Appleby but acknowledges the need for more documentation to prove it.

As Harvard faces challenges concerning its autonomy amid political pressure, the relevance of the Magna Carta resurfaces. “It comes at a time when Harvard is under scrutiny for how it operates as a private institution,” Vincent noted.

Amanda Watson, assistant dean at Harvard Law School, emphasized the document’s potential to inspire new ideas about individual rights and governance. The Magna Carta has also influenced U.S. founding documents, such as the Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights, making its preservation and discussion vital.

In a society where the principles of freedom and legal rights are often debated, understanding the historical significance of such documents can shape future generations. The story of the Magna Carta is a reminder of the ongoing fight for justice and liberty.



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