Hand: Exhortation to Confession (117rv, 170r), CCCC 320, fols. 117–70

Stokes, English Vernacular Script, ca 990–ca 1035, Vol. 2 (PhD Thesis, University of Cambridge, 2006)

This hand is heavily influenced by Phase-V Square minuscule in its letter-forms but has longer ascenders and descenders and a more spiky aspect. The script is also backward-leaning, particularly with e, c, and o, the curves of all of which are relatively angular in the south-west quadrant. Ascenders have regular wedges, descenders are straight, and minims show horizontal feet and either wedges or approach-strokes. Flat-topped a was used throughout, with a horizontal or slightly rising top, and a left side which is angled downwards and rightwards much like that of Phase-V Square minuscule. A similar form was used for æ, the hook of which usually rises slightly above cue-height, and the tongue of which is horizontal. The lower curve of c is very angular and the hook very flat, making the back pointed but not usually horned. The back of d is relatively long but remains below cue-height. The lower curve of e is often diagonal and the hook flat like c; the hook is also angular, the tongue slightly longer and sometimes turned down, and the lower stroke extends up to meet the end of the tongue beyond the hook when final. A restrained tall-e ligature is sometimes found, the hook of which is often quite flat and wide and is very much like the main hand in G.879. The tongue of f is long and often concave up. The top of g is short, and the mid-section hangs from the left, curves back to the right, and closes in an oblong tail. The shoulders of h, m, n, and r are all quite rounded. All three forms of s were used, although long is found only before t or wynn, and low was often used finally after e. Round s is quite angular and looks somewhat awkward, usually rising slightly above cue-height. The descender of low s is curved, tapering, and usually angled to the right. Double low s+s ligature is found three times on 170r, the second s twice having an angled finial at the tip of the decender. The scribe preferred ð to þ, using the latter only initially and the former in any position. The back of ð is long, fairly straight, and angled at about 60°; the through-stroke is normally straight but is sometimes hooked down on the right. Round and straight-limbed y were used, both of which are dotted. The top of 7 is short and horizontal, and the descender is vertical. No Latin is found except for pat er n oste r in Vernacular minuscule.