"Unveiling the Authentic Magna Carta: HLS MS 172's Remarkable Journey"
Read "Unveiling the Authentic Magna Carta: HLS MS 172's Remarkable Journey" on WALY Radio
"Unveiling the Authentic Magna Carta: HLS MS 172's Remarkable Journey"
[!CDATA[A recently confirmed original Magna Carta from 1300 has been identified after being mistakenly listed as an unofficial copy for almost 80 years. This document is one of only seven surviving copies issued by Edward I in 1300. Professors David Carpenter and Nicholas Vincent used various tests to authenticate the document, known as HLS MS 172, including spectral imaging and ultraviolet light. The handwriting and details of the document matched perfectly with the other six originals. Magna Carta, initially granted by King John in 1215, established the principle that the king and his government were subject to the law. HLS MS 172 is considered one of the most valuable documents globally as it underpins the concept that the ruler must abide by legal processes when taking action against individuals. The library had acquired the document in 1946, believing it to be a copy, but recent discoveries have revealed its true significance. The confirmation of the document's authenticity is a significant find for Harvard, as it sheds light on the historical importance of Magna Carta and its impact on the development of law and democracy. The provenance of the document, believed to have been issued to the former parliamentary borough of Appleby in Cumbria in 1300, has a remarkable history, passing through various notable figures over the centuries. Professors Carpenter and Vincent's discovery has been praised by Harvard Law School's assistant dean for library and information services, Amanda Watson, who commended their work in uncovering the true nature of the document. This remarkable find highlights the value of preserving and studying historical artifacts to better understand the foundations of our legal and democratic systems.]]