Historical Property Document Deed of Covenant(Im assuming)

[silverknight108]

Hi all!

I have a historical UK property document that looks to be from the 1700s but it is written in old English and I can't read it. I was wondering if anyone could point me in the right direction to getting it identified and then understood so that I know what it is I have and its value?

Thank you so much for your help!

With respect -

Raj

 

[livias]

I woukd look for a website or magazine devoted to Family Tree / Genealogy. I think you might find someone in the small ads who can do it

 

[Flyfisher]

Local museum?

 

[plasticpigeon]

Hello,

Perhaps a local university could help, there is likely to be someone that can read it, as to value, I'd imagine that might be more tricky to assess.

 

[silverknight108]

Thanks for your ideas everyone! I will give them all a try!

With respect -
Raj

 

[TheForge]

Hi Raj,

If it's a deed or Indenture it won't be in Old English, that was a Saxon language that had died out by the mid 12th century. If it really is old enough to be Old English then it will be very rare and of great historical, if not monetary, value.

It may be Latin or Norman French. Middle English (the language of Chaucer) is a possibility but this was pretty much extinct by the late 15th century. Most likely it will be Early Modern English or even what would be called Modern English. This can be difficult to read depending on the handwriting, inconsistent spelling and use of S for f.

 

[TheForge]

In terms of value it will really depends on its actual age and what it was for/refers too. If it involves an important or well known property, or mentions a famous historical figure, then it could potentially be worth any amount well into thousands.

If it's a standard 17th century document for a non descript property then unfortunately it has little value other than to a collector and you might struggle to get £50 for it.

If you can photograph or scan it and send it to me I may be able to read it. PM for my email.