Old English is a digital font that was produced by Monotype's design staff, circa 1990. But its roots go much further back: the face's design is based on that of Caslon Black, a Blackletter type cast by the venerable William Caslon foundry in England, circa 1760. This design has been popular throughout England for centuries. Its style of lettering, conveniently also called Old English, can be found all over the UK. Old English-style typefaces belong to the Blackletter category. They nicely combine the design attributes of both the medieval and Victorian eras. This is mostly because their Textura forms, which were born during the Middle Ages, became quite fashionable again in the late 1800s! This Old English font is very legible for a Blackletter face.
Perhaps that is why it is more familiar to readers in the UK and North American than German Blackletter varieties, like Fraktur. A favorite once again today, Old English is ideal for certificates, diplomas, or any application which calls for the look of stateliness and authority. It's a sturdy and sure bet for newspaper banners, holiday greeting cards, and wedding announcements.
