When tracing your family history, encountering old handwritten documents can be both exciting and frustrating. They often hold crucial information about your ancestors, but the elaborate script, unfamiliar abbreviations, and faded ink of old handwriting can make them challenging to decipher. We have gathered some practical tips to help you unlock the secrets hidden in these documents.
1. Familiarise Yourself with Historical Handwriting Styles
Handwriting has evolved significantly over the centuries. Before the 20th century, many people wrote in styles that look quite different from modern handwriting:
- Secretary Hand: Common in the 16th and 17th centuries, this style features unique letter forms that can look completely foreign to modern readers. For example, the letter ‘s’ often appears similar to a modern ‘f’, and ‘e’ might look like an ‘o’ with a small flick.
- Copperplate: Popular in the 18th and 19th centuries, this flowing script has exaggerated loops and flourishes. The capital ‘S’ in this style often resembles a modern lowercase ‘f’ with an elaborate loop.
- Gothic Script: Used in many European countries, particularly for official documents. Letters like ‘m’, ‘n’, and ‘v’ can be nearly indistinguishable with their series of vertical strokes.
Taking time to study examples of historical handwriting styles from the period you’re researching can make a tremendous difference. Look for handwriting guides specific to the era and region of your documents. This guide by The National Archives is a great one to look at.
2. Read the Document in Context
Don’t try to decipher a document by word initially. Instead:
- Scan the entire document to identify its purpose (letter, will, census, etc.)
- Note the date and location if visible
- Identify any names of places you recognise
- Look for numbers, which are often easier to recognise than words
Understanding the document’s context can help you predict what words might appear. For example, parish records often follow a standard format, and knowing the typical phrases can help you recognise partially legible words.
Example: In English parish baptism records from the 1700s, you might see “baptised ye son of” or “daughter of” repeatedly. Once you identify this pattern, it becomes easier to recognise these words in other entries.
3. Use Technology Wisely
Modern technology offers helpful tools for deciphering difficult handwriting:
- Adjust the contrast and brightness of digital images to make faded ink more visible.
- Use zoom features to examine letter forms more closely.
- Try different filters to enhance legibility (black and white, sepia, or inverted colours)
- Consider specialised software designed for historical document analysis
For example, when viewing a faded 19th-century letter, converting the image into black and white and increasing the contrast can make pencil writing much more visible, revealing details that were previously unreadable.
5. Understand Common Abbreviations and Symbols
Historical documents often contain abbreviations and symbols that were common knowledge in their time but are unfamiliar today:
- ‘Ye’ was often written instead of ‘the’ (the ‘y’ actually represents the now-obsolete letter ‘thorn’)
- ‘Ditto’ marks (“) were commonly used to indicate repeated information in lists
- In parish records, you might see ‘Bapt.’ for baptised, ‘Bur.’ for buried, ‘Rel. of’ for ‘relict of’ (widow of), or ‘s/o’ and ‘d/o’ for ‘son of’ and ‘daughter of’.
Common Abbreviations: Source: Family Tree Resources
6. Read Aloud and Experiment with Differnt Pronunciations
Sometimes, seeing a word isn’t enough – you need to hear it:
- Try reading words aloud, especially names
- Experiment with different pronunciation patterns typical of the time period
- Consider regional accents and dialects that might have influenced spelling
- Remember that spelling wasn’t standardised until relatively recently
For example, a name that looks like ‘Sikes’ might actually be ‘Sykes’. A place that appears to be ‘Bermunsey’ could be the London area now known as ‘Bermondsey’. Reading these aloud might help you make the connection.
7. Compare Similar Documents from the Same Time Period
When struggling with a particular document:
- Find similar documents from the same time period and region
- Compare handwriting styles, formats, and common phrases
- Look for documents written by the same clerk, priest, or official
- Study documents from the same collection or archive series
If you are having trouble reading a 1780s parish record from Yorkshire, examining other entries by the same parish clerk can help you understand their particular handwriting quirks and abbreviation styles.
8. Look for Word Patterns and Repeated Phrases
Legal and official documents often contain formulaic language that repeats throughout:
- Wills frequently begin with phrases like ‘In the name of God, Amen’ and include language about being ‘of sound mind’
- Marriage records typically follow set patterns like ‘were joined in holy matrimony’
- Census records have consistent column headings and information patterns
For example, in a 19th-century will, once you decipher the phrase ‘to my beloved wife’ on one section, you’ll more easily recognise it if it appears again, even if the handwriting is less legible in that instance
Practice Makes Perfect
Like any skill, reading old handwriting improves with practice. Start with clearer documents and gradually work your way to more challenging ones. Keep a record of unusual words or abbreviations you encounter to build your own reference guide.
Remember that patience is key – sometimes stepping away and returning to a difficult document with fresh eyes can help you see what you missed before.
Need expert help deciphering old documents? At Family Wise, we have lots of practice reading historical handwriting and old documents across various time periods and regions. Get in touch today to see how we can help with your research.
