This post comes from the highlights of Patricia Paolella’s talk on Tudor writing from Tudorcon 2023
Introduction:
Tudor history is often remembered for its iconic monarchs, palaces, and political intrigue, but there’s a quieter, equally important aspect to this era—the art of writing. At Tudorcon 2023, Patricia Paolella delivered a passionate presentation on the role of calligraphy and handwriting in the Tudor era, offering insights into how calligraphy wasn’t just an art form but a tool that helped build and transform society. From the detailed scribes to the rise of accessible books, Tudor handwriting reflects a time of major change.
Key Moments in Tudor Calligraphy:
In her talk, Paolella explores how the Tudor period became a turning point for calligraphy:
- The Birth of Secretary Hand: Patricia highlights how Secretary hand, both spiky and loopy, was fast enough to meet the demands of a society transitioning to urbanization. This writing style became central to the administrative needs of the time.
- Scribes and the Rise of the Printing Press: The introduction of the printing press didn’t diminish the role of scribes—in fact, it emphasized the need for quality writing as more documents needed production. Patricia explains, “Writing became even more important as society evolved, especially in urban areas where literacy and administration were key.”
- Aesthetic Meets Utility: One of the most fascinating aspects of Tudor handwriting, as Patricia explains, is how aesthetics and utility came together. She shares her personal admiration for documents like Henry VIII’s inventory, where even the spacing between lines reflects confidence and style. “To me, it looks like a bird running across a piece of vellum,” she exclaims.
- The Role of Women in Writing: While men dominated many aspects of Tudor writing, women also played a significant role in bookkeeping and managing household affairs. “They keep trying to make a sharp division there,” says Patricia, “but women were always making major contributions in this respect.”
The Tools of Tudor Calligraphy:
From quills to vellum, the materials used by Tudor scribes were just as important as the writing itself. Patricia shares her expertise on the intricate tools of the trade:
- Quills: Made from feathers of various birds (including swans, which Queen Elizabeth preferred), the quills had to be cut precisely for different writing needs.
- Ink: Tudor ink was often made using oak galls and required specific recipes to ensure documents would last for centuries.
- Vellum and Paper: Vellum, made from calfskin, and rag paper were the primary writing surfaces. Both had their strengths, but paper became more popular as it was cheaper and easier to produce.
Why Tudor Calligraphy Still Matters:
Beyond the technical aspects, Patricia reminds us why studying Tudor handwriting is still so relevant today. These documents provide us with a direct connection to the past, a tangible link to the people who lived through the events we study. Every stroke of the pen tells a story, and understanding the evolution of calligraphy helps us appreciate not just the aesthetics, but the
Discover More from Tudorcon 2023
If you’re fascinated by Tudor calligraphy or want to learn more about the people and stories behind the words, the Tudorcon 2023 video collection is now available. With talks from leading experts on Tudor history, it’s your chance to dive deeper into this remarkable era from the comfort of your home.
To explore these fascinating stories and more, you can gain full access to the Tudorcon 2023 video collection. Learn directly from expert historians about the intricacies of Tudor life, politics, and power—right from the comfort of your home.
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Heather Teysko is the creator, writer, and producer of The Renaissance English History Podcast, one of the longest running indie history podcasts, going since 2009. She's been writing about history online for over 25 years, since her first site on Colonial American history became number one in history on Yahoo in 1998. She writes books, created the original Tudor Planner (a yearly diary filled with Tudor history) and in 2019 created the world's first Tudorcon (you can "attend" online this year!). She has been passionate about Tudor England since she first read Alison Weir's The Six Wives of Henry VIII 20 years ago, and subsequently moved to London after college to spend her time immersed in Tudor history.