Episode Transcript
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Million - Dollar Manuscript in Cumbria Verified as Original 13th Century Magna Carta , ' Priceless ' British Historical Artifact Worth Millions of Pounds .
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A Rare and Priceless Piece of History : The Authentic Magna Carta
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The discovery of an extremely rare and valuable piece of history has left historians and scholars absolutely astonished .
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A manuscript once thought to be part of an unofficial copy of the Magna Carta is now believed to be a genuine artifact from British history , dating back to 1300 AD .
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This incredible relic was acquired by Harvard Law School in 1946 for just $ 27.50 , and it has been safely filed in their library ever since .
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The document was verified as an original Magna Carta by two medieval history professors , Prof. David Carpenter from King 's Col. lege London , and Prof. Nicholas Vincent of the University of East Anglia .
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The Magna Carta is a royal charter that established the freedoms and rights of subjects and placed the Crown under the authority of law .
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It was first agreed to by King John in 1215 and was reissued by successive monarchs until 1300 .
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The document has played a significant role in shaping the concept of constitutional law and remains one of the most important documents in world history .
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The discovery of this authentic version of the Magna Carta is believed to be worth millions of pounds , with estimates suggesting it could fetch up to $ 21 million at auction .
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The document 's journey to America involves the Lowthers , one of the oldest arms - bearing families in the country , and eventually came into the possession of Thomas Clarkson , a leading abolitionist of the 1780s .
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Academics used advanced imaging techniques , including ultraviolet light and spectral imaging , to examine the document and verify its authenticity .
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The handwriting and dimensions were consistent with those of the six previously known 1300 originals , providing crucial proof of its genuineness .
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This remarkable discovery highlights the importance of preserving our historical heritage and sheds new light on this pivotal moment in British history .
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The existence of 200 original Magna Cartas is believed , but only 24 survive today , with most being found in the UK .
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Two are housed in Washington DC 's National Archives , and one in Parliament House in Canberra , Australia .
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The discovery of this authentic version serves as a reminder of the significance of this document and its enduring impact on constitutional law .
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The incredible story of the Magna Carta 's journey to America is one of intrigue and discovery , highlighting the importance of academic research and collaboration .
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As we continue to learn more about our shared history , it becomes clear that the preservation of these documents is crucial for understanding the complexities of the past and their ongoing impact on our present .
