Volunteer Unearths Rare US Declaration of Independence Copy in UK Archives
Rare copy of US Declaration of Independence – A rare copy of the US Declaration of Independence has been discovered by a volunteer in the archives of The National Archives in the UK. This groundbreaking find, which is the sole known replica of the document outside the United States, was uncovered during a cataloging project examining the papers of Royal Navy officers involved in the American Revolutionary War. The discovery has redefined our understanding of how the Declaration of Independence traveled across the Atlantic and was preserved in British hands.
Historical Context of the Document
The rare copy of the US Declaration of Independence originates from Exeter, New Hampshire, where 11 editions were printed in July 1776 to disseminate the news of American independence throughout the colonies. These copies were quickly seized by British forces, marking the first instance of the document being captured by military action. The specific version now identified was aboard the American vessel Dalton, which was intercepted by the HMS Raisonable on Christmas Eve 1776 near Portugal’s coast after a seven-hour naval chase.
The captured copies, including this rare copy of the US Declaration of Independence, were transported to Britain and stored in the archives of Captain Thomas Fitzherbert. At the time, the document was cataloged as “another document” without immediate recognition of its historical value. It remained in the collection for decades until the volunteer’s meticulous work during the recent cataloging effort brought it to light. This rare copy of the US Declaration of Independence is now a pivotal piece in the narrative of its global journey and preservation.
The Role of the Volunteer
Michael Scurr, the volunteer responsible for identifying the rare copy of the US Declaration of Independence, described the moment as unforgettable. “I called over to my boss and said, ‘I think you need to come and have a look at this,'” he recounted to BBC News, expressing his initial disbelief at the document’s significance. Scurr’s discovery underscores the importance of dedicated archivists and volunteers in uncovering hidden historical treasures.
Upon realizing the document’s identity, the team at The National Archives quickly recognized its rarity. “It’s a vanishingly rare surviving copy of the US Declaration of Independence, found not in America, but here in the UK,” remarked Saul Nassé, the institution’s chief executive, calling the find “an extraordinary discovery.” The rare copy of the US Declaration of Independence is believed to have been among the 11 printed editions from Exeter, highlighting the strategic value of these copies in spreading revolutionary ideas beyond the American colonies.
Conservation and Exhibition
Following extensive restoration, the rare copy of the US Declaration of Independence will be showcased in the National Archives’ “Revolution 250” exhibition, which opened last month. The event celebrates the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution and features this rare copy of the US Declaration of Independence alongside other significant historical artifacts. This inclusion not only elevates the document’s profile but also provides visitors with a deeper insight into its journey and survival.
Dr. Graham Moore, a historian at The National Archives, emphasized the importance of the find. “This rare copy of the US Declaration of Independence represents one of the most unique versions of the document we have ever encountered,” he stated. He explained that the copy was originally meant for rapid dissemination rather than preservation, as news of independence spread swiftly through the colonies after its first printing on 4 July 1776. Its survival in the UK archives adds a compelling chapter to the story of the Declaration’s legacy.
Global Historical Implications
The National Archives already holds three of the original John Dunlap-printed copies of the Declaration of Independence from Philadelphia. However, this rare copy of the US Declaration of Independence offers a different perspective, as it was printed in Exeter and later captured by British forces. With only 26 of the 200 original copies believed to have survived to the present, this discovery fills a critical gap in historical records.
Experts suggest that the rare copy of the US Declaration of Independence may have been used as a diplomatic tool or for internal British scrutiny of American revolutionary sentiments. Its presence in the UK archives raises intriguing questions about how the British government perceived the growing independence movement. The document’s journey from the American colonies to the UK and its eventual preservation in the archives exemplifies the complex interplay between war, politics, and historical legacy.
The find has sparked renewed interest in the history of the Declaration of Independence and its global impact. As the rare copy of the US Declaration of Independence is prepared for display, it serves as a testament to the power of archival work in uncovering forgotten histories. This remarkable document now stands as a bridge between the American Revolution and its reception in Britain, offering a unique lens through which to view the event’s broader significance.
