You've found it — an ancestor's will, a property deed, a court record, a parish register. It could unlock your family history. But secretary hand, court hand, and other historical scripts from the 17th–19th centuries can be impossible to decipher without specialist training.
That's where Heritage Script comes in. A professional palaeography and transcription service based in Sussex, specialising in British historical documents from 1550–1900. Serving genealogy researchers throughout the UK, USA, Australia, Canada and worldwide.
Old handwriting isn't simply messy — it follows entirely different rules. In secretary hand, the dominant script used in English legal documents from roughly 1500 to 1700, letters are formed so differently from modern writing that even educated readers cannot decipher them. The letter 'e' bears no resemblance to our 'e'; 'r' can look like a modern 'v'; words are heavily abbreviated with marks above to indicate missing letters. Scribes also used Latin phrases, archaic legal terms, and regional spellings that no longer exist. Reading these documents is a specialist skill — one built through years of training and practice.
Former legal secretary at prestigious London law firms. I understand legal terminology, document structure, and the language of wills, deeds, and court records.
Trained in reading 17th–19th century historical scripts including secretary hand, court hand, and early modern legal scripts. What looks impossible to most researchers is readable to me.
I don't just transcribe—I provide context. Uncertain readings are clearly marked. Archaic terms are explained. You get a document you can actually use.
Email me photographs or scans of your document. I'll review and provide a quote within 24 hours.
No obligation consultation based on document complexity. I can answer questions about the transcription process.
Careful, accurate transcription with uncertain readings marked and terms explained where needed.
I'll email you the first page as a PDF preview to verify quality. Once you're happy and payment is received, you receive a Google Docs link to the complete transcription.
We work with the full range of British historical documents from 1550–1900. If you have a document not listed here, contact us — we can usually help with any handwritten English-language record.
Last wills and testaments in secretary hand, probate inventories, letters of administration, executor accounts. 17th and 18th century wills are a speciality.
Baptism, marriage, and burial registers from Anglican and Nonconformist churches. Often the key to unlocking earlier generations of your family tree.
Conveyances, lease agreements, mortgage deeds, marriage settlements. Often contain crucial family information beyond simple property transfers.
Quarter Sessions records, trial depositions, witness statements, settlement examinations, removal orders, bastardy bonds.
Letters, diaries, journals, family papers — often the most intimate and revealing documents in your family history.
Manorial court rolls, tithe maps and apportionments, enclosure awards, land tax assessments, hearth tax records.
Whether you're researching in the UK or tracing British ancestry from overseas, Heritage Script provides expert transcription of historical documents.
Tracing British ancestry? I work while you sleep—send your document in the evening, receive your transcription by morning. Payment in USD via PayPal.
Colonial ancestors, convict records, British family origins—I understand the documents you're finding and can make them readable.
British-Canadian ancestry research? English and Scottish records transcribed with expertise in historical and legal documents.
Based in West Sussex. Member of Sussex Family History Group. Expert in English, Scottish, and Irish records. Same-day quotes, fast turnaround, local knowledge.
Payment: PayPal or bank transfer. Quotes in GBP (£); international clients can pay in USD, AUD, CAD, or any currency.
Stop struggling with impossible handwriting. Let an expert help you discover what your ancestors left behind.
Get Your Quote Today