An exceptional copy of the United States Declaration of Independence dating from 1776 has been discovered in the British National Archives in London, a historic find made as the United States celebrates the 250th anniversary of its independence.
The document, printed in New Hampshire in mid-July 1776, is one of eleven "Exeter Declarations" still known in the world. It is the first copy of this series ever found outside the United States.
The discovery was made in May by Michael Scurr, a volunteer participating in a project to catalogue 18th-century archives. The document had previously been listed as just another "document among others," before further examination revealed its historical significance.
According to the British National Archives, this copy comes from documents seized by British authorities after the capture of an American privateer ship in 1776. It is the only known copy of the Declaration of Independence preserved in such a military context.
The Declaration of Independence, famous for its affirmation of the inalienable rights to "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness," is one of the founding texts of the United States. The rediscovery of this document comes as the country commemorates the 250th anniversary of its birth.
"Discovering and handling such an important historical document has been exciting, especially in this very special anniversary year," said Michael Scurr, highlighting the emotion aroused by this exceptional find.
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