Online Tutorial for Reading Old English Handwriting

The U.K. National Archives hosts a fantastic resource for deciphering English handwriting from the 16th through the 19th centuries. This practical palaeography tutorial covers spelling, abbreviations, money, and important details about dates, such as Old Style vs. New Style: until 1572 (when the first day of the year fell on January 1), the year switched over on March 25. So, for example, March 24, 1550 contained the final hours of 1550, and the subsequent day was styled March 25, 1551. This tutorial is an invaluable guide for those planning to wade into the Henslowe-Alleyn Digitisation archives.

Features an interactive tutorial/game where you must correctly decode words to save a woman from the hideous ducking stool. Transcribe like the wind!