The Key to the Family Deed Chest: How to Decipher and Study Old Documents Being a Guide to the Reading of Ancient Manuscripts

A practical companion for anyone confronting ancient deeds, letters, and court rolls, this guide walks beginners through the first obstacles of deciphering faded script and unfamiliar symbols. Drawing on the author’s early frustrations, it explains how to recognize handwriting styles, assess ink and paper, and spot the subtle clues that differentiate genuine records from clever forgeries. The opening chapters are packed with clear illustrations of seals, marginal notes, and the quirks of Saxon, Norman‑French, and Latin legal language.

Beyond the basics, the book expands into the wider world of medieval documentation, offering concise overviews of manorial rolls, monastic charters, parish registers, and the abbreviations that pepper them. Real‑world examples—such as a notorious trial involving altered registers—show why careful observation matters for genealogists, historians, and collectors alike. Readers come away with a solid toolkit for turning obscure parchment into reliable evidence of the past.