The study of handwriting in late-medieval medieval England is a complex and dynamic field. Since the publication in 1969 of M.B. Parkes' foundational English Cursive Book Hands, 1250-1500, English palaeography has diverged significantly from continental practice in terminology and approach. The specificity of the main scripts used in England — Anglicana and Secretary — has developed into a highly specialised field, often at the expense of acknowledging points of contact with continental and, especially, French handwriting.

This course will introduce students to the study of handwriting in late medieval England (1300-1500), with a focus on literary and administrative writing in English, though French and Latin will also be considered. We will study the main scripts used in England (Anglicana, Secretary, and Textura) in their administrative and literary guises, and we will explore the different systems to classify scripts as used by English and continental European scholars.

In addition, we will examine in detail existing controversies in English palaeography, in particular the cases of Adam Pinkhurst and Thomas Hoccleve. Students will learn to identify, date, and transcribe late medieval insula scripts. To better understand duct and scribal practice, students will be taught how to write Secretary and Angelicana. Pens will be provided. Students' attempts at producing medieeal scripts will not be part of the assessment.