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Rare copy of Declaration of Independence found by UK National Archives in papers of captured US ship
By AP at ABC13 Houston (KTRK / ABC)
· July 3, 2026
· 1 min read
Michael Scurr has been volunteering at Britain's National Archives for the last 11 years, then one day last May he made a discovery of his own while sifting through the letters of an 18th-century Royal Navy captain.
Why this matters in The Bellaire
For Bellaire residents interested in American history, the discovery of a rare copy of the Declaration of Independence in the UK National Archives is a fascinating find. The fact that it was uncovered in the papers of a captured US ship highlights the complex and often tumultuous relationship between the United States and the United Kingdom during the 18th century. This discovery may spark interest among local history buffs and educators, potentially leading to new discussions and lessons about the country's founding documents and their significance. As the news of this discovery spreads, it will be interesting to see if any local institutions or organizations in the Houston area, including those in Bellaire, explore ways to incorporate this finding into their programming or exhibits, providing residents with a unique opportunity to learn more about this pivotal moment in American history.
About this story
Original reporting by ABC13 Houston (KTRK / ABC) . The Bellaire surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit ABC13 Houston (KTRK / ABC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 3, 2026 ·
Source: ABC13 Houston (KTRK / ABC) ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Michael Scurr has been volunteering at Britain's National Archives for the last 11 years, then one day last May he made a discovery of his own while sifting through the letters of an 18th-century Royal Navy captain.
When was this published? This article was first published on July 3, 2026 by ABC13 Houston (KTRK / ABC) and curated for The Bellaire readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by AP at ABC13 Houston (KTRK / ABC). To learn more about how The Bellaire selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Bellaire, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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