One learns to read old writing by practice.
The more that is read the easier it becomes. There are various guides to handwriting or script available such as Secretary Hand (early 16th through 17th centuries),
http://www.scottishhandwriting.com/1hour.asp
Court Hand (medieval),
http://www.nottingham.ac.uk/manuscr...ance/medievaldocuments/handwritingstyles.aspx
This site is good as it includes some abbreviations used instead of letters in words
Wills often start with a common preamble before getting down to the nitty gritty bequests.
An example of a 16th century preamble is-
“In the name of God Amen the xxiijth of Januarye in Ao Dni 1590 and in the three and thirteth yeare of the Raigne of our Soueraigne Lady Elizabeth by the grace of god of Englande ffrance and Irelande Queene defendresse of the faith &c. I Willm Guye of Claxton in the Countie of Leicester Husbandman beinge sicke of body but of perfect remmembrance god be prais'd do make & ordaine this my last will and Testament in manner and forme followinge. Imprimis I bequeath my soule vnto Almightie god trustinge to be saved by a livelye faith in Jesu Christ and my body to be buried in the parish Church of Claxton Item I giue to the poore mans boxe of Claxton xijd”
The wording varies slightly but the idea is it dates the will, claims sanity and acknowledges the Sovereign, Jesus Christ and God before making bequests.
Each bequest is preceded by “Item”.
I have some lists of abbreviations on my Bottesford website at
http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~framland/framland/abbr.htm
One of the lists is for abbreviations found in 17th century documents.
The key is read, practice, read, practice, read more etc.
Cheers
Guy
