Thomas Bridge 09 February 2015

Magna Carta original uncovered in council’s archive

An original edition of the Magna Carta potentially worth up to £10m has been found in a Kent council’s archives.

Discovery of a version of the document that established the principle rule of law in 1215 was made in the files of the history department of Kent County Council by council community history officer Dr Mark Bateson.

An original Charter of the Forest issued in 1271 was also uncovered in Maidstone, with both documents under the ownership of Sandwich Town Council.

There is thought to be only one other such pair of these historic documents in the world, with the other held in Oriel College, Oxford.

The Sandwich Magna Carta parchment was found filed in a Victorian scrapbook and is thought to be an original from the version issued by Edward I in 1300.

The discovery by Bateson in late December came just months ahead of the 800th anniversary of King John’s concession. The British Library marked the occasion by exhibiting four 1215 editions of the Magna Carta.

Professor Nicholas Vincent of the University of East Anglia who authenticated the document said it was ‘a fantastic piece of news for Sandwich, which puts it in a small category of towns and institutions that own a 1300 issue’.

Mayor of Sandwich, Cllr Paul Graeme, said: ‘On behalf of Sandwich Town Council, I would like to say that we are absolutely delighted to discover that an original Magna Carta and original Charter of the Forest, previously unknown, are in our ownership.

‘To own one of these documents, let alone both, is an immense privilege given their international importance.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Revenues and Benefits Administration Officer

West Northamptonshire Council
£26914 - £27781
The Revenues and Benefits Administration Officer at West Northamptonshire Council provides essential administrative support across the Revenues and Benefits team. The role involves managing emails, indexing documents, raising orders and supporting financi Northampton
Recuriter: West Northamptonshire Council

Strategic Commissioning Manager (Markets Team Manager)

The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council
Negotiable
Drive real change in your community - shape the future of careDrive real change in your community - shape the future of careAt the Royal Borough of Ke England, London, City of London
Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council

Social Worker - Family Finding, Adoption Mid Essex

Essex County Council
£34902.0000 - £50081.0000 per annum
Social Worker - Family Finding, Adoption Mid EssexPermanent, Full Time£34,902 to £50,081 per annum Location
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Sheltered Housing Officer

The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council
£33291 - £34291 per annum
Support residents to live independently in safe, welcoming homes - making every day easier, safer and more connected.Support residents to live indepen England, London, City of London
Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council

Team Leader

Durham County Council
Grade 8 £32,597 - £36,363
Salary
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner