Rare 1776 Declaration of Independence Copy Found in London After 250 Years

 Rare 1776 Declaration of Independence Copy Found in London After 250 Years

Published: July 4, 2026

A remarkable piece of American history has resurfaced after nearly two and a half centuries. A rare 1776 printed copy of the U.S. Declaration of Independence, believed to have been lost for around 250 years, has been discovered at Britain's National Archives in London, making it the only known surviving example of its kind outside the United States. �

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Historic Discovery in London

The extraordinary discovery was made by volunteer archivist Michael Scurr while cataloguing 18th-century Royal Navy documents at the National Archives in Kew, London. What initially appeared to be just another historical paper turned out to be an exceptionally rare "Exeter Declaration" — a printing produced in Exeter, New Hampshire, shortly after the Declaration of Independence was adopted on July 4, 1776. �

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Historians say only 11 copies of this particular Exeter printing are now known to exist, with the newly discovered document becoming the first and only known copy located outside the United States. �

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How It Ended Up in Britain

Researchers believe the document was aboard the American privateer ship Dalton, which was sailing during the American Revolutionary War. Later in 1776, the vessel was intercepted and captured by the British Royal Navy off the coast of Portugal.

As part of wartime procedures, the ship's papers—including the Declaration—were seized and sent to British authorities. Over time, the document was misidentified and remained hidden among naval correspondence for almost 250 years until its recent discovery. �

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A Major Historical Find

Experts describe the discovery as one of the most significant finds related to the American Revolution in recent years. The document offers fresh insight into how copies of the Declaration were distributed during the earliest days of American independence and demonstrates how historical treasures can remain hidden in archives for centuries.

Conservation specialists have carefully preserved the remarkably well-preserved document, allowing historians to study its printing, provenance, and role during the Revolutionary War. �

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Exhibition Plans

The rare Declaration is expected to be featured as part of Britain's Revolution 250 commemorations marking the 250th anniversary of American independence. The exhibition will showcase the newly discovered document alongside other rare artifacts from the Revolutionary era. �

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Why It Matters

The discovery highlights the enduring importance of historical archives and demonstrates that significant artifacts can still emerge centuries after major world events. For historians on both sides of the Atlantic, the find provides a rare and tangible connection to the birth of the United States and offers new opportunities to better understand the global impact of the American Revolution. �

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