Parchment Documents

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Although parchment documents are generally stronger than paper documents, care is still needed when handling them.

• Inks and other media sit on the surface of parchment rather than sink in to it as parchment has no fibres. This means that inks can easily become loose and are easily removed by the natural oils in your skin when handling the document.  
• Avoid touching the document unnecessarily and use a sheet of acid free paper to follow the text.
• Folded parchment documents can be very difficult to open. Take extra care, allowing plenty of room to consult it and do not force the document open. Seek advice from staff at Cheshire Archives and Local Studies if necessary.
• All items should be stored in acid free folders and boxes.