A document previously thought to be an unofficial copy of the Magna Carta for nearly 80 years has been reclassified as an original from 1300. This significant discovery by historians David Carpenter and Nicholas Vincent highlights its value as one of only seven surviving originals confirmed from that year. The document asserts the critical principle that government authority is bound by law, a foundation of modern democracy. Techniques such as spectral imaging were employed to confirm its authenticity, revealing unique details in the handwriting that matched the other originals.
I was trawling through all these online statute books trying to find unofficial copies of the Magna Carta and I immediately thought: my god this looks for all the world like an original of Edward I's confirmation of Magna Carta in 1300, though of course appearances are deceptive.
Using spectral imaging and ultraviolet light, because in places the condition isn't very good, I worked through it word by word and it matched perfectly to the other six.
It asserts a fundamental principle that the ruler is subject to the law. He can't just say: Into prison, off with your head, I'm seizing your property.' If he wants to act against you, he has to do so by legal process.
This document is one of the world's most valuable documents, being the foundation stone of the western tradition of law and democracy.
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