First published in 1965 and now in the sixth reprint. The family history journal 'Metropolitan' (April 1997) described it a 'a must for anyone contemplating transcribing old documents'. Divided into two main sections: firstly an alphabet of single letters and secondly an alphabetical listing of the commoner Christian Names of the period 1550-1650. A short selection of abbreviations and words commonly found in Parish Registers, and a collection of surnames, illustrating various points.
Virtually the sole source of the examples has been the Parish Register of Froome Selwood in Somerset. The earlier portions of this Register were evidently copied in one hand at about 1598, when a number of different hands appear.
The object has been to include as many varieties as practicable, so as to form a nucleus for reference, and this applies both to the formation of single letters, and to the spelling of Christian Names.
Finally a short selection of place names, all taken from a Calendar of Hampshire Wills, has been included as an exercise for those who like puzzles.
