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NewsThe GuardianJuly 2, 2026United States

Rare 1776 Declaration of Independence copy discovered in UK archives

A volunteer at the National Archives in London discovered a rare 18th-century printing of the US Declaration of Independence while cataloging naval records. This document is one of only 11 known copies of the 'Exeter printing' and the only one currently located outside of the United States.

historyarchivesUnited States Declaration of IndependencearchaeologyUnited Kingdom
Read the full story at The Guardian

Why It Matters

The discovery adds a significant historical artifact to the known record of the American Revolution, providing new insight into the distribution of the Declaration of Independence via captured ships.

Key Facts

  • A volunteer discovered a rare copy of the US Declaration of Independence in the UK National Archives in late May.
  • The document is identified as part of the 'Exeter printing' series.
  • There are only 11 known surviving copies of the 'Exeter printing' in existence.
  • This is the only known copy of this printing located outside of the United States.
  • The document was originally found inside a volume of 18th-century Royal Navy correspondence.
  • The document was historically taken from an American privateer ship.

Who's Mentioned

organizationNational Archives“The institution in Kew, west London, where the document was found.”personMichael Scurr“Volunteer at the National Archives who discovered the document.”