Unveiling the Magic: The True Story Behind Harvard's Magna Carta
- By: Eugen Epp (with a dash of flair and modern language)
- Approx. 2 Min Read
Confirmation: This is the authentic version, not a copy. - A query about whether the Magna Carta is currently available.
Over seven decades ago, Harvard Law School snatched a priceless artifact during a casual transaction. In 1946, they coughed up $27.50 for a copy of the Magna Carta, little knowing they'd stumble upon a hidden treasure. Or so we believed until recently.
Turns out, we’ve been grooving to the tune of an original masterpiece for all this time! Yep, you read that right - Harvard hasn't been spinning copies, but rather venerating an authentic relic since 1946[1]. Two ingenious scholars from King’s College London and the University of East Anglia revealed this shocking twist in the pages of history.
A 1300 Gem: Edward I’s Signature Inside
Whipping out his detective hat, David Carpenter, a professor of medieval history at King’s College London, stumbled upon the enigma while digging for unofficial versions of the Magna Carta online. Lo and behold, he rightfully suspected it might be an authentic original. A thorough investigation confirmed the suspicion[1].
This 1300 edition, issued by King Edward I, has been swimming in the waves of time for 725 years. And amazingly, it’s ticking like a time bomb, barely showing any signs of wear[1][2]. Besides Harvard's star, there are only six other known survivors from this edition. In the grand collection of Magna Carta originals, 24 pieces remain, each more precious than a gemstone[1].
Originally inked in 1215, the Magna Carta reflects an agreement between the English king and the rebelling nobility, forming the foundation of the British constitution and many more[1]. Asking any historian to single out the most influential historical document, they would probably mumble – the Magna Carta. Nicholas Vincent, a renowned historian, puts it neatly: “It’s the crux of world history[1].”
Harvard’s Pain in Gold: No Sale
Harvard’s "Lost" Magna Carta actually originated from the Appleby-in-Westmorland community, England. Carpenter, the wise sleuth, calls it a “remarkable testimony” to one of England’s most significant shifts in political developments[1]. Harvard, however, seemed oblivious to its hidden potential for over 70 years[1].
The last original Magna Carta auctioned off in 2007 garnered $21 million+[1]. With similar zest, experts are currently calculating the potential price tag for Harvard's golden nugget. But don’t get too excited – Harvard seems all set to keep its pearl[1].
Sources: Harvard Law School, Harvard Library Viewer, "Washington Post", "The Times", "BBC"
- Harvard Law School
- King’s College London
- University of East Anglia
- It's fascinating to learn that the Magna Carta housed at Harvard Law School might not be just a copy as previously believed, as scholars from King’s College London and the University of East Anglia discovered it to be an authentic original, dating back to 1215.
- seeds of education-and-self-development are sown every day at institutions like Harvard and King’s College London, with their recent joint research unveiling a historical mystery surrounding one of the most influential documents in world history - the Magna Carta.
