For years, Harvard University believed it owned inexpensive reproductions of the Magna Carta, documents that cost under $30.
However, two researchers have determined that Harvard possesses a much rarer version—one from 1300, originally published under King Edward I of England.
Since its inception in 1215, the Magna Carta has been critical in establishing that no one, not even a king, is above the law—an essential principle for constitutions around the globe.
While four copies of the original exist, it was previously thought there were only six of the 1300 edition.
“I was genuinely surprised; in a way, I thought I could possibly find an unknown Magna Carta,” remarked David Carpenter, a medieval history professor at King’s College London.
He discovered the digitized document while browsing the Harvard Law School Library website in December 2023.
“Initially, I stumbled upon one of the rarest and most significant documents in constitutional history,” said Carpenter, adding, “But I was also surprised that Harvard had overlooked it all these years.”
This year, imaging technology unveiled details of the Magna Carta copies that aren’t detectable by the naked eye.
Carpenter collaborated with Nicholas Vincent, also a medieval history professor, to verify the authenticity of the documents.
They found that Harvard’s version matched the dimensions of the other known copies, and they analyzed images produced using ultraviolet rays and spectral imaging, which make faded details visible.
This advanced imaging enabled them to perform a meticulous comparison of the handwriting, noting specific characteristics such as the prominent “E” in “Edwardus” and the elongated letters on the first line.
Subsequent to the original 1215 version by King John, five editions were crafted over the following decades, with the 1300 version being the last officially approved by the king’s seal.
The 1300 Magna Carta includes various changes compared to earlier editions, and according to Carpenter, “these differences are present in a number of small ways.”
Harvard faced a stringent process to prove the document’s authenticity, which it accomplished “in flying colors,” Carpenter noted.
While Harvard has no plans to sell this copy, its tattered state could be worth millions; for context, a 1297 edition fetched $21.3 million at auction back in 2007.
Validating Document Authenticity
Additionally, there’s intrigue regarding the document’s pathway to Harvard.
Vincent traced its origins back to a past Parliamentary location in Westmoreland, England.
The Harvard Law School Library acquired this copy from a London book dealer for $27.50 in 1946, mistakenly labeling it as from 1327.
Vincent found out that the document had been sold at auction in 1945 by a World War I pilot known for his valor in defending Malta during WWII.
This war hero, Forster Maynard, inherited archives linked to two individuals, Thomas and John Clarkson, who campaigned against the slave trade.
It’s thought that Thomas Clarkson may have received the document from William Lowther, the former lord of Appleby.
Vincent mentioned, “There’s a smoking gun here, though we don’t yet have definitive proof that this is the Appleby Magna Carta.” He added that he’s eager to uncover letters or documents that might confirm its transfer to Thomas Clarkson.
Reinvigorating Interest in Magna Carta
Carpenter and Vincent plan to visit Harvard this June to examine the Magna Carta firsthand. They argue that the document holds relevance, especially as Harvard faces scrutiny regarding its autonomy amidst conflicts with the Trump administration over governance and campus policies.
“This is a pivotal moment for Harvard, particularly given the pressures from state authorities,” noted Vincent.
Moreover, it’s a timely opportunity for new generations to engage with the Magna Carta’s historical significance, which has influenced documents like the Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights—elements that are embedded in the laws of seventeen states.
According to Amanda Watson, assistant dean at Harvard Law School, “We envision the law library as a hub for individuals to learn about democracy’s foundations.” She added that it could inspire young people to reflect on personal freedoms and autonomy.
