A previously misidentified 14th-century manuscript at Harvard Law School has been confirmed as one of the few surviving 1300 versions of Magna Carta. Historians David Carpenter and Nicholas Vincent verified its authenticity through comparisons and imaging analyses. Purchased in 1946 without significant scrutiny, the manuscript, now recognized as HLS MS 172, aligns in physical dimensions and text with other verified copies from that period. The discovery emphasizes its importance as a fundamental document in the evolution of freedoms and constitutional law.
This finding highlights the significance of careful scholarly review, revealing that what was assumed to be a lesser copy is, in fact, a vital historical document.
This charter should not be viewed as merely a stained and faded replica, but as a cornerstone of freedoms in world constitutional history.
The manuscriptâs dimensions and text characteristics align perfectly with those of confirmed originals, illustrating the meticulous adherence to the 1300 text.
By uncovering its significance, historians reinforce the importance of historical documents in understanding collective rights and freedoms across time.
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