17th century will

This will, dating from 1693, illustrates a number of features of late 17th century handwriting, including the ‘backwards facing’ ‘e’ and the exaggerated curve on the lower case ‘d’. Will of Cuthbert Pattison, Dean and Chapter of Westminster. City of Westminster Archives Centre, 1708/1360.

Hat trick! Here the word ‘Midlesex’ (from the document on the right) obligingly shows us:

• an exaggerated curve on the ‘d’

• 2 x ‘backwards facing’ ‘e’s

• and a long ‘s’ ∫