In 1946, the Harvard Law FacultyMagna bought a copy of Carta . . For the absurd price of 27.50Ovarian About 400 euros in 2025 Taking into account inflation. Book vendors bought it at the Sodabe auction in London, and the list of the manuscript was “made in 1327 … something rubbed and stained with moisture.”
Turns out that this unofficial copy of the Magna CartThe first document to write the principle that the king and his government were not above the law, were incorrectly listed, it was This is really an original. This means only the document One of the seven of the seven presented by Edwardo I in 1300 They still survive.
David CarpenterOvarian Professor of medieval history Kings College in London The author of the invention. “I was looking at those books online at Magna Carta’s online … And I thought immediately:” My God, this seems to be the original of the Confirmation of Edwardo I by Edwardo I in 1300 “, however, the looks are cheated,” Professor Carpenter said.
He and Nicholas Vincent, a professor of medieval history of Eastern Angia University, performed many trials Determine the credibility of the documentHLS MS is called 172. “Using spectrum images and UV light.
Professor Carpenter described HLS MS 172 “One of the most valuable documents in the world“. He added: “He confirms the basic principle that the ruler is subject to law. He cannot say: ‘To the prison, they cut your head and I will confiscate your property.’ If you want to act against you, you need to do it with a legal process. This is the source of the Western tradition of law and democracy“.
When asked about the possibility of confusing with a copy, Professor Vincent said: “I think At the end of World War II, everyone was tired. Whoever reads this in Sodabe and sees her, I doubt that he thought: ‘Oh, it cannot be an original Magna Carta because we know it’.
They read the date badly and they made a mistake in King. Like the letter of Edwardo III they listed it. But it is actually an amateur, which is a very easy mistake. But, as a result, it was an original completely ignored and sold at a ridiculous price. “
Regarding Current documentary value. Maximum amount“.
Professor Carpenter described this discovery as a “fantastic” message to Harvard. “I was surprised. First, it was, the second, Harvard didn’t realize himself. In a way, I was a little surprised because in 1300, the confirmation of Edwardo I was very recognized in all confirmations. “
Carpenter and Vincent believe that the document was presented to the former Apple B Parliamentary District in Kumbriya in 1300. “Harvard Magna Garda It is eligible for celebratingThe original, the original of the past, has won the current and freedoms, ”said Professor Carbender, not just a copy of the stain and discoloration, but one of the most important documents of the world constitutional history.”
Amanda Watson, from Harvard Law Faculty. Teachers They believe Harvard’s Magna Carta will soon be exposed to the public.
Additional sources • Harvard Law School
