To give a practical grounding in reading and transcribing the main types of vernacular script encountered in English archives post-1500;

To provide knowledge of the context of creation, as well as the palaeography and diplomatic of a range of historical records encountered in local government, diocesan and specialist repositories;

To familiarise students with the diplomatic formulae used in legal, financial and administrative records;

To introduce students to the knowledge and skills required for the description and interpretation of conveyancing instruments;

To provide students with the interpretative knowledge required to produce professional finding aids and to assist with researh enquiries;

To explore the problems associated with the interpretation and exploitation of early modern records.

(LO1) An understanding of the role and value of palaeography and diplomatic in record-keeping theory and practice

(LO2) Knowledge of the development of letter forms and scripts during the period and in the country covered by the module, including abbreviations and contractions

(LO3) An ability to read, transcribe and, where necessary, translate and interpret, accurately documents from the period and country covered by the module, demonstrating knowledge of the conventions of transcription

(LO4) Relevant understanding of the contexts of creation and preservation of records, archives and other traces from the past and their relative value as evidence for historical research

(LO5) An improved ability to communicate appropriately for specified purposes and audiences, employing relevant oral and/or written presentation skills

(S1) Ability to read, transcribe and interpret historical documents

(S2) Ability to produce clear, structured written work

(S3) Self management and discipline including time-management

Topics covered during the module may include:

Palaeography: terminology and rules of transcription;

Diplomatic and forgery;

Hatched, matched, dispatched;

Probate: wills, inventories and admons;

Parish government and administration including poor law;

Exploiting early modern records;

Judicial records;

Manorial records;

Dating documents;

Records of property I;

Records of property II.

Seminar:
The module will be taught via 11 two-hour seminars.

Tutorial:
Three, 10-minute tutorials per student.

The majority of teaching will be delivered face-to-face on campus. Online delivery will be used to complement the on-campus delivery and where technology affords a better learning experience.