Keen historians are invited to learn how to read ancient handwriting with the help of archivists.
Durham County Record Office is offering an open course in palaeography, the study of old handwriting.
Over four sessions, the basics of how to understand handwriting styles from the 16th to the 19th century will be covered.
Each session offers a background to the types of handwriting that were prevalent in the past, whilst also providing a variety of examples of original documents from the archives.
The interactive course will make use of the record office’s rich collections, giving hands on help to participants in how to explore the archives for family and local history, with personal and friendly guidance from an archivist.
The course comprises four sessions, which may be booked individually or as a full course. These take place on Thursday evenings, from 6pm to 8pm on 2, 9, 16 and 23 May, and on Friday mornings, from 10am to 12pm on 3, 10, 17 and 24 May.
The sessions cost £12 each or £40 for all four. Places are limited so must be booked in advance.
For further information or to book, visit the record office online shop at https://recordofficeshop.durham.gov.uk/pgHome – For further enquiries, call 03000 267626.