In recent years several local societies, including the Ranulf Higden Society, have contributed funds to provide bursaries for students, and other deserving candidates, to attend the Latin and Palaeography Summer School held annually towards the end of July at Keele University.
The Summer School is now in its 42nd year. If you need an introduction to medieval Latin or palaeography (the study of medieval and early modern handwriting), or wish to enhance the knowledge that you already have and want to meet others with the same interests, then the Keele school is designed for you, and one of its main benefits is that students are able to build up their knowledge and confidence during the week.
The school is taught in several small groups, but these are not in sessions at which students just listen to tutors and make notes. Rather, the emphasis is very much on learning the skills in reading and transcribing documents, and so involves a lot of active participation.
The approach is serious but friendly and attracts a wide range of people from both the UK and abroad: national, local, and family historians, along with archive students and postgraduate researchers. Many come back year after year, taking the opportunity to seek advice from tutors and fellow students on their own research interests and problems.
If you would like to attend the Summer School you can find further details, and an application form at https://www.keele.ac.uk/humanities/study/history/cpd/#latin-and-palaeography-summer-school. To inquire about bursaries, places contact the secretary of the Ranulf Higden Society.