Reading the Past: Medieval Handwriting and Palaeography
17 October 2026
10am Saturday - 5pm Sunday
Rewley House 1 Wellington Square, Oxford, OX1 2JA
Event status:
Applications being accepted
Dates:
17 October 2026 - 18 October 2026
Study Format:
In-person day/weekend
Fees:
£260.00
Would you like to learn how to read medieval handwriting in original documents?
This weekend will enable those keen to undertake research using original historical documents to begin reading the scripts used in England before 1550. We will look in detail at the main scripts in use across this period (Insular, Carolingian Minuscule, Anglicana and Secretary Hand), through practical examples from common record types, such as property records, accounts and correspondence.
The principal focus will be on documents written in Latin, although some in English will also be included. No prior knowledge of Latin is required, although this will be useful.
This event will provide the opportunity to cover both theoretical and practical aspects of reading medieval handwriting. We will look at reading strategies and tips throughout, as well as key reference and study resources for further study.
The tutor is an experienced archivist and will use documents from collections she has worked with as examples, as well as from published sources. Teaching methods will range from short lecture-style talks on theory and historical context, as well as in-depth practical sessions focusing on reading documents, either individually, in pairs or as a class.
This event will close to enrolments at 23:59 BST on 14 October 2026.
Book this course
Book your place online using the button below.
Accommodation
Accommodation for Saturday night can be booked directly online, subject to availability, when you register your place via the ‘Book now’ button. This includes a buffet breakfast on the Sunday morning.
Our accommodation at Rewley House in Wellington Square has been rated as 4-Star Campus Accommodation from Visit England. All bedrooms are modern, comfortably furnished with tea/coffee making facilities, Freeview television, private bath/shower rooms and free WiFi. For more details see our accommodation information.
If you wish to extend your stay with us, either before and/or after the event, please contact our Residential Centre for availability and discounted rates.
Call +44 (0) 1865 270362 or email res-ctr@conted.ox.ac.uk
Recommended reading
Hoskin, P. et al, Reading the Past: Medieval Handwriting (University of York, 2003)
Marshall, H., Palaeography for Family and Local Historians (Phillimore, 2004)
Programme details
Saturday 17 October
9.45am
Registration at Rewley House reception
10am
Introduction to medieval records and handwriting/palaeography
11am
Tea/coffee break
11.30am
Insular scripts: theory and practice
1pm
Lunch break
2pm
Carolingian Minuscule: theory and practice
3.30pm
Tea/coffee break
4pm
Abbreviations and dating methods
5pm
End of day
6.30pm
Dinner (optional)
Sunday 18 October
8am
Breakfast (for those staying at Rewley House)
10am
Anglicana: theory
11am
Tea/coffee break
11.30am
Anglicana: practice
1pm
Lunch break
2pm
Secretary Hand: theory and practice
3.30pm
Tea/coffee break
4pm
Numbers and weights; further resources
5pm
End of weekend
Fees
| Description | Costs |
|---|---|
| Event Fee (includes tea/coffee) | £260.00 |
| Saturday baguette lunch | £7.90 |
| Saturday dinner | £33.10 |
| Saturday hot lunch | £22.40 |
| Single B&B (Saturday night) | £128.00 |
| Sunday baguette lunch | £7.90 |
| Sunday hot lunch | £22.40 |
Funding
If you are in receipt of a UK state benefit or are a full-time student in the UK you may be eligible for a reduction of 50% of tuition fees.
Concessionary fees for short courses
Payment
Please see the terms and conditions for our open-access courses.
Please use the ‘Book’ button on this page. Alternatively, please contact us to obtain an application form.
