EMMA ELIZABETH COPE. 130, HYDE PARK MANSIONS, W. _September, 1903._ [Illustration] AUTHOR’S PREFACE TO THE FIRST EDITION. In the following pages I have tried to describe the things which puzzled me when, as a beginner, I first essayed to read and understand the old records of bygone times. Written in a language I knew not, relating to customs no longer existing, all was strange and unfamiliar. I toiled on; by degrees light dawned and the difficulties melted away. The knowledge thus gained I have endeavoured, in all humility, to write down as a possible guide and help to others who may, like myself, prefer to follow antiquarian research by means of old deeds and other manuscripts, as being the original source and most trustworthy fountain-head of knowledge, and by this means to avoid as much as possible repeating the assertions and mistakes of previous writers. In the chapter on Paleography I have named the books which were my guides, and in these pages I have tried to supply information supplementary to what is already printed on the subject, rather than repeat what has previously been explained. The growing fashion for all kinds of antiquarianism creates a desire for books treating upon such subjects, and this has induced me to write this book. E. E. THOYTS. SULHAMSTEAD, _May, 1893_. [Illustration] [Illustration] CONTENTS. CHAPTER PAGE INTRODUCTION xi I. HINTS TO THE BEGINNER 1 II. CHARACTER BY HANDWRITING 14 III. SAXON, NORMAN-FRENCH AND LAW LATIN 28 IV. OLD DEEDS 41 V. LAW TECHNICALITIES 53 VI. MANOR AND COURT ROLLS 70 VII. MONASTIC CHARTERS 86 VIII. PARISH REGISTERS 103 IX. PARISH OFFICERS AND THEIR ACCOUNT BOOKS 112 X. BOOKS ON PALEOGRAPHY 127 XI. OLD LETTERS 135 XII. ABBREVIATIONS, ETC. 142 [Illustration] [Illustration] LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS. PAGE SIGNATURE 23 EXTRACT FROM DOMESDAY 29 NORMAN-FRENCH DEED 34 FORM OF FINE 56 SHERIFF’S ROLL (NEVILLE MSS.) 65 COURT ROLL 76