Telephone: +44 (0)1227 768664
Email: enquiries@ihgs.ac.uk

Palaeography, the study of old handwriting, is one of the fundamental skills that will underpin your searches of original documentary material, especially when examining documents that were written prior to the 18th century.
This free guide will introduce you to some of the letter formations you will find and provide tips on reading and transcribing old documents. It includes some examples for you to transcribe yourself.

The Institute of Heraldic and Genealogical Studies Terms and Conditions
80-82 Northgate
Canterbury
Kent, CT1 1BA
UK
Tel: +44 (0)1227 768664
Charitable Educational Trust No: 313304
Companies House No: 01629916
Copyright © 2026 The Institute of Heraldic and Genealogical Studies. All Rights Reserved.
website by beachshore