Script Type : minuscule
Script Family : bastarda
Date : 15th century
Location : England
Function : Book hand , although used as a document hand in this case.
Distinctive letters : This script might be referred to as a bastarda, that being a broad generic terms for late medieval hands with qualities derived from both Gothic textura and cursive hands. This particular example is quite formal and precise, and although the letters sometimes touch within the words, it is not cursive as each is written separately. It looks like a book hand, although in this instance it is used on a very formal and elaborate document.
While most letter forms are essentially those of Gothic textura, the curly d derives from cursive script. There are two forms of s, the tall and the short and curly, and two forms of r, one being the simplified form found after vowels. As this is an English language text, the letters k, w and y are present, with the letter w particularly having a lavish and extravagant curly form. I am beginning to think there is a whole thesis to be written on the symbolism of the letter w in English! Note that th is written in the modern manner, rather than employing a special medieval character.
The letters n, u and v are indistinguishable, leading to possible discrepancies in the spelling of certain words. The construction of these letters using rows of minims echoes their form in textura, but there are no conjoined letters.
There are no examples of the letters q or z or minuscule j.
Pass the cursor slowly over the text to unravel it. For a more detailed examination of the document, proceed to the paleography exercise.
Script
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