This exhibition traces the evolution of handwriting in England from the medieval period through the end of the nineteenth century, drawing on documents from the Derbyshire Record Office. It highlights the transition from specialized scribal Latin scripts like Carolingian Miniscule and Anglicana to more widely used English hands such as Secretary Hand and Italic. The influence of changing societal needs, particularly the rise of commerce and literacy, on writing styles is a central theme, leading to the development of "Round Hand" and formal "Copperplate" for business. Distinct legal hands like Chancery Hand and Engrossing Hand are also explored. The narrative concludes by examining the impact of new technologies—mass-produced paper and metal pens, and later the typewriter—on writing practices, while acknowledging the enduring challenge and pleasure of deciphering historical scripts for researchers.
Summary of "The Story of Handwriting in England"
Introduction (Exhibition Overview): This exhibition explores the development of handwriting in England from the medieval period to the late 19th century, utilizing documents from the Derbyshire Record Office.
Medieval Writing (1100-1485):
Early Period: Writing was primarily for professional scribes, often for legal documents (deeds) written in Latin. Dating was sometimes inferred from handwriting style.
Carolingian Miniscule (Early 1100s): An easy-to-write and legible style, ideal for Latin, with many recognizable letter shapes.
Abbreviations: Scribes used marks or squiggles to shorten words (e.g., a line over 'c' in 'Ric' for 'Ricardus').
Decorative Features (1215 onwards): Handwriting became more decorative with long ascenders (e.g., 'l', 'd') and the introduction of the 'long S' (which looked like 'f' or 'l' and was used until the 1800s). Capital letters became elaborate (e.g., elaborate 'H' in 'Huius').
Anglicana (1200s for 200+ years): A new style unique to England, written quickly with a broad-nibbed pen. Letters like 'b' and 'l' developed 'bifurcated' ascenders (curls or loops).
Secretary Hand (Mid-1400s onwards):
Rise of Commerce: Increased commercial interests necessitated a new hand for business purposes, written in English.
Predominance: This style dominated from the 1500s to the early 1700s, with handwriting manuals being published.
Distinctive Letters: Features strange to modern eyes, such as 'c' resembling 'r', 's' as the 'long s', 'r' looking like 'x', 'e' lacking a full loop, and a 'droopy h'.
Italic (1500s-1600s onwards):
Coexistence and Dominance: Initially used for emphasis alongside Secretary Hand, it gradually became the dominant style.
Mixed Hand (Mid-1600s): Poet Leonard Wheatcroft used a mixed hand based on Italic, with letters similar to modern shapes.
Transition to Round Hand: By the mid-1700s, Italic evolved into 'Round Hand', which forms the basis of modern handwriting and was much easier to read than Secretary Hand.
Round Hand & Copperplate (Early 1800s onwards):
Personal Writing: Gained a pronounced forward slope; faster writing led to smaller, less distinct letter shapes.
Business Writing (Copperplate): Remained clear, essential for clerks during the factory system. Written with a fine nib and taught to schoolchildren using copybooks.
Legal Hands (Distinct Styles):
Chancery Hand: One of the most distinctive legal hands, used for royal documents (writs, patents) and all Acts of Parliament until 1836. Characterized by round, even letter shapes and decorative curls on ascenders. Its evenness and similar 'minims' (short vertical strokes) could make it difficult to read.
Engrossing Hand: Similar to Chancery Hand, used for deeds throughout the 1800s. It retained some Secretary Hand elements, such as 'c' resembling 'r' and 'e' lacking a loop.
New Technologies (1800s onwards):
Affordable Writing: Mass production of paper (machine-made, cheaper) and metal pen nibs (replacing quill pens) made writing more accessible.
Late 1800s Handwriting: Became broader and less angular with smooth paper, steel nibs, and fountain pens, though not necessarily easier to read.
Typewriter (Early 1900s): Began to remove the need for handwriting in some business contexts, gradually succeeded by computers.
Conclusion: While digital writing is prevalent today, dealing with old handwriting remains both a significant challenge and a rewarding aspect of historical research.