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Old Photographs, Recognition, Handwriting Deciphering => Handwriting Deciphering & Recognition => Topic started by: specialkmp on Wednesday 08 December 10 21:57 GMT (UK)
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Hi to all you Fairy hand writting experts. I have an 1800's Will in English that I am having trouble reading. If any one could wave their magic wand and translate it you would be giving me a wonderful early Christmas Presi that would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you for your time and consideration
Merry Xmas
Kristy :-*
P.S. If you could either give me an email address or let me know of another way I can show the Will as rootschat won't let me attach it :-[
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Possibly it's too big Kristy,try resizing it.The file that is of course,not the actual will ;D
George.
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Have you had a look at the National Archives tutorials?
http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/palaeography/
There are also examples of wills from different eras for you to look at. If you are able to compare the transcription with the original, many things become much clearer and you realise there is a formulaic use of certain words and phrases. I usually struggle most with the names, since there is no context for them. All you can do is look for similarly shaped letters.
It is worthwhile having a go at this yourself and posting small sections of difficult to decipher words on here for others to help with. That way we might all improve our skills. ;)
Nell
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Thanks, I will give it a go. Can't be worse than translating German......I hope :)