A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see a 1776 print of the Declaration of Independence in England

There’s big news, and then there’s once-in-a-lifetime news. That might sound dramatic, but this definitely falls into the latter category. A rare copy of the USA’s 1776 Declaration of Independence – one of just 26 surviving copies in the world – is currently on display in Bath. 

To mark the 250th anniversary of American independence, revolutionary Dunlap parchment will be on show at the American Museum & Gardens until September 6 2026. 

The historic document was, obviously, a rather big deal. Drafted by the third US president Thomas Jefferson, the Declaration of Independence marked the moment the American colonies formally declared independence from Britain. As for the name Dunlap? It comes from the printer, John Dunlap, whose name appears at the bottom of the first official printings of the Declaration of Independence.

It’s not every day that a historic document like this arrives on British soil. What makes this version particularly remarkable is that it’s the only known copy captured by British forces during the American Revolution. The copy was sent back to the UK just five weeks after it was printed by Dunlap on August 11 1776. 

The opportunity is part of the American Museum & Garden’s wider summer programming. History aside, the program includes family-friendly theatre performances, gallery trails and immersive displays. There will also be the chance to hear first-hand from historian David Olusoga, who will be giving a special lecture at the Guildhall on the history of the American Revolution.

There are only three known Dunlap copies of the declaration on English soil, which are all held at the UK National Archives in Kew. The National Archives is loaning the copy to the American Museum as part of the attractions. 

‘America 250’ runs until January 3 2027. The Dunlop parchment will be on display from June 6 to September 6 2026. The American Museum & Gardens, Claverton Manor, Bath BA2 7BD. 

Find out more on the museum website here.

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