The medieval manuscripts in Bristol have recently been catalogued by Kathleen Kennedy and Melek Kataras in their book Medieval Manuscripts in Bristol Collections, the latest volume in the Centre for Medieval Studies imprint 'Bristol Studies in Medieval Cultures' (Boydell and Brewer: 2025). To mark the publication of this catalogue a selection of the medieval manuscripts in Bristol Central Library will be on display in a special exhibition (4 December - 17 December). This is a rare opportunity to see some of the treasures of the library's collection 'in the flesh'. See https://bristol.events.mylibrary.digital/event?id=250239
There is a series of lectures and events to accompany the exhibition, the first of which (Thursday 4 December, 12:30-13:30) is a talk by Ad Putter on 'How to Read Middle English Handwriting': https://bristol.events.mylibrary.digital/event?id=252110
Using examples from some of the manuscripts on display in the exhibition, this lunchtime talk will give an overview of the development of Middle English handwriting and provide some practical tips on how to decipher it.' You do not need to book to see the exhibition, but do book (for free) for the talks and events.