In brief
An unexpected treasure was unearthed at Harvard Law School: a manuscript believed to be a mere copy of the Magna Carta is actually an original dated to 1300, one of only seven left in the world. This finding, made by two British historians, has redefined the item’s historical significance and value.
In 1946, Harvard Law School acquired this seemingly insignificant manuscript for just $27.50, and it had remained relatively unnoticed in the library until recent investigations led by David Carpenter, a medieval history professor, revealed its true origin in December 2023. The Magna Carta, crafted over 700 years ago, has been pivotal in establishing rights and ruling by laws. Using advanced UV light photography and spectral imaging, researchers verified that the manuscript is indeed an original. Its value today is immeasurable and likely far exceeds its original price, especially compared to a 2007 sale of another Magna Carta version for a whopping $21.3 million. This discovery couldn't come at a more symbolic time as it echoes the importance of rule of law, especially amid the political scrutiny faced by prestigious institutions like Harvard.
