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sue2white
09-09-2009, 9:59 PM
http://freesmileyface.net/smiley/Signs/help-0003.gif (http://freesmileyface.net/Free-Signs-Smileys.html)

I have a will, proved in 1857, but I'm damned if I can read it.
I know that there are many 'experts' out there who can decipher this strange Victorian script.
I cannot post parts of it, as it is virtually the whole thing I cannot read....and it goes on for pages.
If there is anyone who is up to the challenge, I will gladly email it to you...and send you hugs and kisses...well maybe just hugs.
Pretty please.
Sue :D
sue2white
10-09-2009, 5:59 AM
Thank you to the people who sent me PM's.

Kerrywood has been a star and has done it already.

Many thanks.

Sue

|hug|http://freesmileyface.net/smiley/Love/love-138.GIF (http://freesmileyface.net)|hug|
Hugh Thompson
10-09-2009, 6:49 AM
Hello Sue, I'd just like to tell you that the more you work with old wills the better you get at deciphering them, when I received my first will I couldn't make heads or tails of it, :confused: but the more I studied them the better I became at reading them, so hang in there and they eventually start to make sense.
Hugh.:)
Browneyes
10-09-2009, 7:18 PM
Just in case anyone wants to know there are a variety of useful links re deciphering 'handwriting & script' on

cyndislist.com/handwrit.htm#General
Jan1954
10-09-2009, 7:31 PM
There is also this (http://www.parishchest.com/shop/index.php?cmd=viewproduct&cat=&id=P18784&pageOffset=0), which may help. :)
JAP1
11-09-2009, 1:52 AM
Some online resources (with examples) which I like are:

The National Archives tutorial at:
http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/palaeography/

Scottish Handwriting (applies as well to English handwriting) at:
http://www.scottishhandwriting.com/

English Handwriting 1500 - 1700: an online course, at:
http://www.english.cam.ac.uk/ceres/ehoc/index.html

Sue, now that you have kindly been provided with a transcription of the Will, do have another try (armed with the 'crib sheet') at deciphering it yourself. It can be fun.

JAP
sue2white
11-09-2009, 6:50 AM
Yes Jap, it looks easy now. I think I was put off by the sheer length of it.
Sue|book2|