The following conventions have been used during all transcripts in the Thomas Bowker project.
Lettering: The transcription shows the letters and spelling of the original documents except where more recognisable letters are now in use, e.g.
th for y
s for f and ss for ff
u and v were interchangeable so the modern spelling is used
Where it has not been possible to recognise a letter, * has been used.
Abbreviations: These are commonly used in historical documents. The original entry is replicated in the transcription followed by a suggestion in square brackets as to the meaning of the abbreviation.
Punctuation: Note that in many historical legal documents there are no commas, full stops or any other punctuation marks. Consequently, the transcription reflects this.
