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Ireland (Historical Counties) => Ireland => Topic started by: Gilby on Saturday 08 June 19 21:15 BST (UK)

Title: Index to Irish Wills 1484-1858: Where to find the wills?
Post by: Gilby on Saturday 08 June 19 21:15 BST (UK)
Hi All,

I sometimes use Eneclann’s “Index to Irish Wills 1484-1858” on Find My Past.  My understanding is that this is an index to extracts or copies of wills which have survived and are still extant today.  Firstly, is that correct?

When I do find a will I am interested in, I usually find the reference number isn’t very helpful, and I’m not sure where to go to find the will.

For example, the one I’m looking at now is:

Name = Robert Stevenson
Address = Ardkill, L’Derry
Grant = Prerogative Court, 1839
Document status = Transcript
Ref. no. = Prerogative Grant Book/F/218b

The year 1839 doesn’t fit in with any of the surviving Prerogative Court books, so I’m not sure where I should be looking to find the will transcript. 

The PRONI name search does have Robert Stevenson indexed, but no known copy of the will.  There is a will/probate record for a Robert Stevenson of Ardkill dated 1847-1898 (D1046/374), but I think that must refer to a later generation.  I’ve tried searching the NAI catalogue, but didn’t find anything.

Where should I be looking?

Thanks,
Gilby
Title: Re: Index to Irish Wills 1484-1858: Where to find the wills?
Post by: Gilby on Saturday 08 June 19 21:19 BST (UK)
Here’s another example:

Name = Edward Stevenson
Grant = Prerogative Court, 1831
Document status = Transcript
Volume = 4/236/19
Ref. no. = IWR/1831/F/399

Where do I find this one?
Title: Re: Index to Irish Wills 1484-1858: Where to find the wills?
Post by: Sinann on Saturday 08 June 19 22:46 BST (UK)
This explains
http://census.nationalarchives.ie/search/dw/home.jsp
Title: Re: Index to Irish Wills 1484-1858: Where to find the wills?
Post by: Gilby on Saturday 08 June 19 22:58 BST (UK)
Hi Sinann,

Since both wills I’m looking for don’t fall into the dates for surviving Prerogative Court books (1664-1684, 1706-1708, 1726-1728, 1728-1729, 1777, 1813 and 1834) that would imply a copy does not survive?

So why is it listed in the surviving will index?

Gilby
Title: Re: Index to Irish Wills 1484-1858: Where to find the wills?
Post by: Wexflyer on Saturday 08 June 19 23:19 BST (UK)
Hi All,

I sometimes use Eneclann’s “Index to Irish Wills 1484-1858” on Find My Past.  My understanding is that this is an index to extracts or copies of wills which have survived and are still extant today.  Firstly, is that correct?

When I do find a will I am interested in, I usually find the reference number isn’t very helpful, and I’m not sure where to go to find the will.

For example, the one I’m looking at now is:

Name = Robert Stevenson
Address = Ardkill, L’Derry
Grant = Prerogative Court, 1839
Document status = Transcript
Ref. no. = Prerogative Grant Book/F/218b

The year 1839 doesn’t fit in with any of the surviving Prerogative Court books, so I’m not sure where I should be looking to find the will transcript. 

The PRONI name search does have Robert Stevenson indexed, but no known copy of the will.  There is a will/probate record for a Robert Stevenson of Ardkill dated 1847-1898 (D1046/374), but I think that must refer to a later generation.  I’ve tried searching the NAI catalogue, but didn’t find anything.

Where should I be looking?

Thanks,
Gilby

At the National Archives!

My understanding is that the Eneclann CD **only** relates to surviving wills/will extracts at the National Archives.

The surviving material is much broader than just surviving will registers.
Title: Re: Index to Irish Wills 1484-1858: Where to find the wills?
Post by: Sinann on Saturday 08 June 19 23:20 BST (UK)
Sorry I've no idea what the surviving will index is.
Title: Re: Index to Irish Wills 1484-1858: Where to find the wills?
Post by: Gilby on Sunday 09 June 19 11:11 BST (UK)
I suppose my question is maybe more about how to search for material held by the National Archives.  I’m familiar with the PRONI ecatalogue where you can access and search a list of everything they’ve catalogued, but the NAI catalogue here seems more limited:

http://www.nationalarchives.ie/search-the-online-catalogue/simple/#!/

It does say that not all of the older records are on the catalogue, so that could explain why I can’t find any evidence of the wills I’m looking for.  So basically the answer is that I need to be there in person to search through their hard copy indexes?
Title: Re: Index to Irish Wills 1484-1858: Where to find the wills?
Post by: Sinann on Sunday 09 June 19 14:49 BST (UK)
The end of the NAI link says
The will books for Armagh, Belfast and Londonderry are in the Public Record Office of Northern Ireland.
Title: Re: Index to Irish Wills 1484-1858: Where to find the wills?
Post by: Gilby on Sunday 09 June 19 15:18 BST (UK)
The will books held by PRONI for Armagh, Belfast and Londonderry are for 1858-1921 and are digitised here:

https://apps.proni.gov.uk/WillsCalendar_IE/WillsSearch.aspx

The index I’m talking about is for pre-1858 wills.

If the wills are held at PRONI they should appear in the PRONI “Name Search” (though I accept a small number of wills have slipped through the net):

https://apps.proni.gov.uk/ProniNames_IE/SearchPage.aspx

Also the two reference numbers I mentioned above don’t look like PRONI references.
Title: Re: Index to Irish Wills 1484-1858: Where to find the wills?
Post by: Wexflyer on Sunday 09 June 19 20:18 BST (UK)
I suppose my question is maybe more about how to search for material held by the National Archives.  I’m familiar with the PRONI ecatalogue where you can access and search a list of everything they’ve catalogued, but the NAI catalogue here seems more limited:

http://www.nationalarchives.ie/search-the-online-catalogue/simple/#!/

It does say that not all of the older records are on the catalogue, so that could explain why I can’t find any evidence of the wills I’m looking for.  So basically the answer is that I need to be there in person to search through their hard copy indexes?

You answer your own questions, but keep on asking.
Title: Re: Index to Irish Wills 1484-1858: Where to find the wills?
Post by: hallmark on Sunday 09 June 19 20:24 BST (UK)
Was the Will Registered?

https://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php?topic=765484.0

Title: Re: Index to Irish Wills 1484-1858: Where to find the wills?
Post by: hallmark on Sunday 09 June 19 20:29 BST (UK)

Source: National Archives Kew England
Written: January 26, 1830

Recorded: May 11, 2019

Extracted from the Registry of the Consistorial Court of Armagh
I John Fitzsimmons of Blackwatertown in the County of Armagh Surgeon Do
hereby make and publish this my last Will and Testament......


Source: National Archives Kew England
Written: March 8, 1830

Recorded: November 1, 2017

Ireland In the Name of God Amen I Thomas Byrne of Lurgan in the County of
Armagh being sound of mind and memory do think proper to make this my last
Will and Testament.....




http://www.igp-web.com/IGPArchives/ire/armagh/wills.htm
Title: Re: Index to Irish Wills 1484-1858: Where to find the wills?
Post by: jonw65 on Sunday 09 June 19 21:06 BST (UK)
Indexes of the will of Robert Stevenson
Indexes to probate records, 1536-1858, and surviving will books, 1644-1834
Church of Ireland. Province of Armagh. Prerogative Court
Here
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-L94X-YP44?i=290&cat=466810

Irish will index, 1838-1879, etc
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-C9BP-93PY-Y?i=107&cat=232755

Title: Re: Index to Irish Wills 1484-1858: Where to find the wills?
Post by: jonw65 on Sunday 09 June 19 21:11 BST (UK)
Irish will index, 1838-1879, etc
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-C9BP-93PY-Y?i=107&cat=232755

Folio 619
Here is the register, with details of legacies etc. Masses of it!
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSNT-8SHJ-1?i=259&cat=234514

Have you got access to FamilySearch (free)
Attaching a bit of the register
Title: Re: Index to Irish Wills 1484-1858: Where to find the wills?
Post by: jonw65 on Sunday 09 June 19 21:33 BST (UK)
Index for Edward Stevenson, 1831
Executor Robt Stevenson, Ardkill
Folio 399
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSJN-XGV3?i=183&cat=234514

Not sure we have the register on there
Title: Re: Index to Irish Wills 1484-1858: Where to find the wills?
Post by: jonw65 on Sunday 09 June 19 21:42 BST (UK)
https://www.familysearch.org/wiki/en/Ireland_Probate_Records
including
Commissioners for Inland Revenue
The Inland Revenue Office in London received copies of Irish wills proved in the Prerogative Court of Armagh and all Irish diocesan courts for the time period 1828 1879. From these, there were abstract books and indexes for both the wills and administrations created. The will indexes survive for the time period 1828 1879. The administration index for the years 1828 1829; 1832 1850; 1852 1879. The will abstracts survive for the time period 1828 1839 and the administration abstracts for the time period 1828 1839. The abstracts for the time period 1840 1879 are missing.....
Title: Re: Index to Irish Wills 1484-1858: Where to find the wills?
Post by: jonw65 on Sunday 09 June 19 21:59 BST (UK)
Folio 619
Here is the register, with details of legacies etc. Masses of it!

Don't forget the rest of it on folio 620!
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSNT-8SHX-B?i=260&cat=234514
Title: Re: Index to Irish Wills 1484-1858: Where to find the wills?
Post by: jonw65 on Monday 10 June 19 22:15 BST (UK)
Would be nice to have some kind of response from the OP
Title: Re: Index to Irish Wills 1484-1858: Where to find the wills?
Post by: Gilby on Monday 10 June 19 22:26 BST (UK)
You answer your own questions, but keep on asking.

I needed the steer and confirmation! 


Was the Will Registered?

https://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php?topic=765484.0

Possibly, but the reference numbers aren’t ROD references.
Title: Re: Index to Irish Wills 1484-1858: Where to find the wills?
Post by: Gilby on Monday 10 June 19 22:29 BST (UK)
Hi Jon,

Sorry, I had left my computer when you posted yesterday, and then I went to bed, and then work, and then tennis, and then made dinner etc, and I still haven’t had the chance to review your posts fully yet!  … but this looks exactly what I need!  Thank you very much :)

Would you mind explaining the process involved in finding these extracts?

Is there a page on familysearch for wills similar to this for the Registry of Deeds:

https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/185720?availability=Family%20History%20Library

Thanks,
Gilby
Title: Re: Index to Irish Wills 1484-1858: Where to find the wills?
Post by: jonw65 on Tuesday 11 June 19 09:22 BST (UK)
Hi
Sorry, I didn't realise you had such a busy day!
I just looked at the FamilySearch catalogue, under Ireland
https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/results?count=20&placeId=76&query=%2Bplace%3AIreland

Then scroll down to probate records (70), probate indexes (35), etc
Many of the films listed will be locked up, so can only be seen at a family history centre or affiliate library such as TNA.
In fact it becomes rather confusing regarding the estate duty records (to me at any rate!)
The film we have with Robert on comes from here
Irish will register: 1833-1839, and index, 1828-1837
https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/234514?availability=Family%20History%20Library

From Dublin they also have
Registers of Prerogative and Diocesan wills of Ireland, with indexes, 1828-1839
https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/670225?availability=Family%20History%20Library

From Belfast, looks intriguing
Irish estate duty wills, 1821-1857. Calendar, 1812-1857
https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/597301?availability=Family%20History%20Library

I was going to say there will probably be more stuff, and there is!
Irish will register, 1828-1832
https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/234657?availability=Family%20History%20Library

That one is unlocked and may perhaps have Edward Stevenson in 1831 on folio 399

So it is like everything else on FamilySearch, have a look through the catalogue and see what goodies you can find!
John
Title: Re: Index to Irish Wills 1484-1858: Where to find the wills?
Post by: Gilby on Wednesday 12 June 19 21:56 BST (UK)
Hi John,

This is fantastic!  I’ve started hunting and have already found extracts from the will of one of my 5x great grandfathers.

I can see this is going to occupy me for weeks much like the Registry of Deeds did when I first found it.  And I think it is going to take me almost as long to get my head around!

I’ve been referring back to the 1484-1858 Index on FindMyPast, and evidently “IWR” stands for “Irish Will Register” and the numbers correspond with the folio numbers on familysearch. 

I’ve also now recognised that the “Connor Will & Grant Book/1818-20” corresponds with T2501 at PRONI.

There will be more reference numbers I don’t get and may post back when I have time.

Thank you so much!

Gilby
Title: Re: Index to Irish Wills 1484-1858: Where to find the wills?
Post by: jonw65 on Thursday 13 June 19 14:03 BST (UK)
Hi Gilby
Excellent news! Glad the registers are proving useful to you.
Yes, do please get back to us with anything more that you can glean regarding Irish probate records and their references at the archives. If I find out any more about the films in the other links I posted I shall update.
John

Title: Re: Index to Irish Wills 1484-1858: Where to find the wills?
Post by: John Falvey on Thursday 13 June 19 18:04 BST (UK)
Don't forget the salvaged wills and the Will Boxes.

The only pre-1858 Stevenson is James from Newry whose will dates from 1821
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSJ8-89X4-C?i=21&cat=3590
Title: Re: Index to Irish Wills 1484-1858: Where to find the wills?
Post by: Gilby on Thursday 13 June 19 21:03 BST (UK)
Thanks John F. – more to hunt through!

I feel the need to try to draw up a list to show what all the reference numbers mean and where to find the originals (either online or in person). 

E.g.

1818-1820
Index to Irish Wills 1484-1849 reference = Connor Will & Grant Book/1818-20
PRONI T2501
Copy of the Down and Connor Will Book which partially survived the fire – on average the wills are missing about half of the text.

1828-1832
Index to Irish Wills 1484-1849 reference = IWR
Irish Wills Register
https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/234657?availability=Family%20History%20Library
Extracts of wills with details of legacies and beneficiaries.

1833-1837
Index to Irish Wills 1484-1849 reference = IWR
Irish Wills Register
https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/234514?availability=Family%20History%20Library
Extracts of wills with details of legacies and beneficiaries.
Title: Re: Index to Irish Wills 1484-1858: Where to find the wills?
Post by: Gilby on Thursday 13 June 19 21:14 BST (UK)
To begin with, I think this will be easier by working backwards from the records on Familysearch.

For example, the will of Anne Atkinson can be found in the “Alexander Bell & Son Presentations”.

Link to index:
https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/3590?availability=Family%20History%20Library

Link to film:
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSNP-Z96D-6?i=6&cat=3590

This appears to be listed twice in the Index to Irish Wills (can I call it IIW?), though it is possible they are two different people:


Year   1849
Date of grant   1849
Address   Ballinasloe
Notes   With copy
Where grant proved   Prerogative Court
Document type   Administration Will Annexed
Document status   Original
Ref.no.      T/9788a&b


Year   1851
Date of grant   1851
County      Armagh
Document type   Will & Grant
Document status   Certified Copy
Ref.no.   T/8868


What do T/9788 and T/8868 refer to?
Title: Re: Index to Irish Wills 1484-1858: Where to find the wills?
Post by: Gilby on Thursday 13 June 19 21:55 BST (UK)
A few other references I’d like to get to the bottom of:


First name(s)   Thomas
Last name   Spratt
Year   1822
Address   Downpatrick
County      Down
Where grant proved   Down & Connor Diocese
Document type   Will
Document status   Extract
Ref.no.      Char1/5/p66
Record set   Index Of Irish Wills 1484-1858
Category   Birth, Marriage, Death & Parish Records
Subcategory   Wills & Probate
Collections from   Ireland


First name(s)   Mary
Last name   Rankin
Year   1853
Date of grant   15 September 1853
Address   Bangor
County   Down
Where grant proved   Down & Connor Diocese
Document type   Will & Grant
Document status   Transcript
Ref.no.   Down and Connor Will & Grant Book/7014
Record set   Index Of Irish Wills 1484-1858
Category   Birth, Marriage, Death & Parish Records
Subcategory   Wills & Probate
Collections from   Ireland


First name(s)   William
Last name   McCausland
Year   1832
County   -
Where grant proved   Armagh Diocese
Document type   Administration
Document status   Transcript
Volume   4/237/33
Ref.no.      IAR/1832/F/56
Record set   Index Of Irish Wills 1484-1858
Category   Birth, Marriage, Death & Parish Records
Subcategory   Wills & Probate
Collections from   Ireland


Any ideas?  The IAR one is in the same format as the IWR, so I’m hoping it might be in the Familysearch collection.
Title: Re: Index to Irish Wills 1484-1858: Where to find the wills?
Post by: John Falvey on Friday 14 June 19 09:54 BST (UK)
The references look like:

John Grenham's summary of surviving Irish wills and will abstracts is at https://books.google.co.uk/books?id=ATRlo07F9v0C&pg=PA64#v=onepage&q&f=false

Wallace Clare's guide to copies and abstracts, lists what was available after the fire at http://www.corkpastandpresent.ie/genealogy/CPPgenealogy21oct2013/wallace_clare_reduced.pdf

CIGO (http://www.cigo.ie/pages/guide-to-wills-and-administrations/) is also good for later wills.

Do you know where the Irish estate duty wills (1812-1857) can be found?
Title: Re: Index to Irish Wills 1484-1858: Where to find the wills?
Post by: Gilby on Saturday 15 June 19 19:57 BST (UK)
Thanks again John - there's so much to try to remember, so many places to look.


Do you know where the Irish estate duty wills (1812-1857) can be found?

I don't, but according to John Grenham's site they are indexed in the PRONI pre-1858 index, which I think means this:

https://apps.proni.gov.uk/ProniNames_IE/SearchPage.aspx

Apparently most of those wills were proved at the Court of Canterbury - those wills are imaged on Ancestry, and I have found a few Irish wills there.

Title: Re: Index to Irish Wills 1484-1858: Where to find the wills?
Post by: Gilby on Saturday 15 June 19 20:18 BST (UK)
  • Down and Connor Will & Grant Book are the Consistorial Will Books for Connor (1853—1858), and Down (1850—1858). These are hidden somewhere along with Derry & Raphoe (1812—1821); Ossory (1848—1858), though Cashel (1840—1845) is at https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSM7-D3QX-F?i=504&cat=3590

I tried looking up a couple of those Cashel wills in the Index to Irish Wills, but it didn't seem to include them, so I don't know if they're included in any index to date...?



IAR is the Inland Revenue Administrations at https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/232755?availability=Family%20History%20Library

Would I be right in saying the administration register 1828-1839 is for those who died intestate?
Title: Re: Index to Irish Wills 1484-1858: Where to find the wills?
Post by: John Falvey on Saturday 15 June 19 20:51 BST (UK)
I should have said that Derry & Raphoe, Ossory, and Cashel are grant books not will books. So they include grants of probate, administration, marriage licence bonds, and guardianship. The administrations won't be in the will index.
Title: Re: Index to Irish Wills 1484-1858: Where to find the wills?
Post by: Maiden Stone on Sunday 16 June 19 00:37 BST (UK)
This has been informative. Thank-you.
Title: Re: Index to Irish Wills 1484-1858: Where to find the wills?
Post by: John Falvey on Sunday 16 June 19 10:43 BST (UK)

Would I be right in saying the administration register 1828-1839 is for those who died intestate?

Yes that's correct. The level of details is similar to the later Will Calendars including relationship to Administrator and often date of death.
Title: Re: Index to Irish Wills 1484-1858: Where to find the wills?
Post by: Gilby on Sunday 16 June 19 10:45 BST (UK)
Ok, thanks.

I was looking back at the will of Edward Stevenson posted by Jon W:

https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSNR-D93W-T?i=445&cat=234657

The consanguity of two legatees is given as "D.J." or perhaps "D.S." - do you know what that means?

Title: Re: Index to Irish Wills 1484-1858: Where to find the wills?
Post by: John Falvey on Sunday 16 June 19 10:47 BST (UK)
I think that's just "ditto" ie they are both nephews of the deceased too.
Title: Re: Index to Irish Wills 1484-1858: Where to find the wills?
Post by: John Falvey on Sunday 16 June 19 22:59 BST (UK)
On the other hand I've recently seen DS seen where there was no entry above, maybe it means not related by blood.
Title: Re: Index to Irish Wills 1484-1858: Where to find the wills?
Post by: Gilby on Wednesday 31 July 19 22:10 BST (UK)
I’ve got a result for a Nathaniel Wilson dated 1749/50 and the ref. numbers are:

Prerogative Grant Book/F/107b
Prerogative Grant Book/F/111b
Prerogative Grant Book/F/114b

I’m guessing this is referring to the surviving Grant Book for 1748-1751.

I’ve now got John Grenham’s book which says the Grant Books aren’t online – so the question is where can they be accessed?

Ta,
Gilby
Title: Re: Index to Irish Wills 1484-1858: Where to find the wills?
Post by: John Falvey on Friday 20 November 20 12:54 GMT (UK)
Recently spotted a couple more links on line:
Connor Will & Grant Book 1818-20 - partial transcript   https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSJ8-H96L-8?i=440&cat=232751
Down Will Book 1850-8   https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSJ8-M356?i=5&cat=232751
Connor Will  Book 1853-8   https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSJ8-MQQ8?i=222&cat=232751
Title: Re: Index to Irish Wills 1484-1858: Where to find the wills?
Post by: Gilby on Sunday 22 November 20 10:25 GMT (UK)
Hi John, that’s great, thanks.  The Connor Will and Grant Book is exactly the same as T2501 at PRONI, which must in turn be a photocopy of a book held at the NAI.

I didn’t know the Down and Connor books for the 1850s were available online.  I must have a flick through to see what names I recognise.
Title: Re: Index to Irish Wills 1484-1858: Where to find the wills?
Post by: Gilby on Sunday 22 November 20 11:29 GMT (UK)
I've been trying to keep a list of the various sources and where/how to access them...

1664-1684, 1706-8 (A-W), 1726-6 (A-W), 1728-9 (A-W), 1777 (A-L), 1813 (K-Z), 1834 (A-E)
Index to Irish Wills 1484-1849 reference = Prerogative Will Book
Original source = Prerogative Will Book.
Where to find = The index is searchable on the NAI website, but few of the actual wills seem to have been digitised:
http://census.nationalarchives.ie/search/dw/index.jsp

1684-8, 1748-51, 1839 (Grants) and 1784-8 (Day Books)
Index to Irish Wills 1484-1849 reference = Prerogative Grant Book
Original source = Prerogative Administrations Grant and Day Books.
Where to find = The index is searchable on the NAI website, but none of the wills seem to be imaged:
http://census.nationalarchives.ie/search/dw/index.jsp

c1760s-1800s?
Index to Irish Wills 1484-1849 reference = T/9788a&b or T/8868 ??
Original Source = Alexander Bell & Son Presentations.
Where to find = Digitised online:
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSNP-Z96D-G?mode=g&cat=3590

1800-1859
Index to Irish Wills 1484-1849 reference = Char.
Original source = Commissioners of Charitable Donations and Bequests for Ireland.
Description = Abstracts from wills in which a charitable bequest was made.
Where to find = NAI / LDS Family History Centre.

1800-1872
Index to Irish Wills 1484-1849 reference = Salved
Description = Salvaged prerogative and diocesan wills for Newry, Mourne, Armagh, Belfast, Derry etc?
Where to find = Digitised online:
https://www.familysearch.org/search/film/008095950?i=4&cat=3590

1812-1821
Index to Irish Wills 1484-1849 reference = ??
Original source = Derry & Raphoe Grant Book.
Where to find = ??

1818-1820
Index to Irish Wills 1484-1849 reference = Connor Will & Grant Book/1818-20
Original Source = PRONI T2501 (copy of ____ at NAI?)
Description = Copy of the Down and Connor Will Book which partially survived the 1922 fire – on average the wills are missing about half of the text.
Where to find = PRONI, and digitised online:
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSJ8-H96L-8?i=440&cat=232751

1821-1857
Index to Irish Wills 1484-1849 reference = ??
Description = Copies of wills liable for Estate Duty were held in London until after 1922, when 1370 of them were transferred to PRONI (they’re indexed on the PRONI Name Search).
Where to find = PRONI … ref??  Microfilmed by LDS (see below link) but only available at Family History Centres.  Most of these wills were also registered in the Prerogative Court of Canterbury and can be found on the NA (UK) website, or on Ancestry.
https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/597301?availability=Family%20History%20Library

1828-1832
Index to Irish Wills 1484-1849 reference = IWR
Description = Irish Wills Register
https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/234657?availability=Family%20History%20Library
Extracts of wills with details of legacies and beneficiaries.

1828-1839
Index to Irish Wills 1484-1849 reference = IAR
Original Source = Irish Administration Register
Where to find = Digitised online:
https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/232755?availability=Family%20History%20Library

1833-1839
Index to Irish Wills 1484-1849 reference = IWR
Original Source = Irish Wills Register. 
Description = Extracts of wills with details of legacies and beneficiaries.
Where to find = Digitised online:
https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/234514?availability=Family%20History%20Library

1840-1845
Index to Irish Wills 1484-1849 reference = Not indexed??
Original source = Cashel Probate & Administrations & Marriage Licences.
Where to find = Digitised online:
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSM7-D3QW-T?i=502&cat=3590

1848-1858
Index to Irish Wills 1484-1849 reference = ??
Original source = Ossory Grant Book.
Where to find = ??

1850-1858
Index to Irish Wills 1484-1849 reference = Down and Connor Will & Grant Book
Original Source = Down Will Book.
Where to find = Digitised online:
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSJ8-M356?mode=g&i=5&cat=232751

1853-1858
Index to Irish Wills 1484-1849 reference = Down and Connor Will & Grant Book
Original Source = Connor registry of probates and administrations.
Where to find = Digitised online:
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSJ8-MQQ8?i=222&cat=232751
Title: Re: Index to Irish Wills 1484-1858: Where to find the wills?
Post by: John Falvey on Sunday 22 November 20 14:54 GMT (UK)
Prerogative Will Books: 1664—1684, 1706—1708 (A—W), 1726—1728 (A—W),  1728—1729 (A—W), 1777 (A—L), 1813 (K—Z), 1834 (A—E) are at https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/466810?availability=Family%20History%20Library

I've attached a list of pre-1858 wills from the post-fire submissions to the NAI, easily imported into Excel. The later ones are too numerous for me to have time to record.

Thrift's "Indexes to Irish wills" are available via https://www.familysearch.org/library/books/records/?navigation=&perpage=&page=1&sort=_score&search=Indexes+to+Irish+wills&fulltext=1&bookmarks=0#title Volumes 4 & 5 have the northern dioceses.

The IGRS has quite a few Swanzy and Welply abstracts at https://www.irishancestors.ie/members-area/irish-wills-the-igrs-card-index/
Title: Re: Index to Irish Wills 1484-1858: Where to find the wills?
Post by: Gilby on Tuesday 24 November 20 20:21 GMT (UK)
John, thanks very much for that list.  I’m trying to get my head around exactly what you’ve put together.  Is it basically a list of all the wills here:

https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/225052?availability=Family%20History%20Library

I struggle a bit with the various NAI catalogues.  Should those reference numbers (e.g. T13836) bring back a result when I search here:

https://www.nationalarchives.ie/search-the-online-catalogue/simple/#!/
Title: Re: Index to Irish Wills 1484-1858: Where to find the wills?
Post by: Gilby on Tuesday 24 November 20 20:35 GMT (UK)
Prerogative Will Books: 1664—1684, 1706—1708 (A—W), 1726—1728 (A—W),  1728—1729 (A—W), 1777 (A—L), 1813 (K—Z), 1834 (A—E) are at https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/466810?availability=Family%20History%20Library

This seems to be the same images as on the NAI site, but it is useful to have them broken down and browsable.  I’m still struggling to find all the wills I feel I should be able to find, e.g.

Robert Brice of Castle Chichester, probate (?) 1676 listed here:
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-994X-RGL6?cc=3460908

Since he’s right in the middle of the 1664-1684 surviving Will Book, shouldn’t I be able to find a copy of his will?  Or does the L or I beside his entry refer to an Administration Licence or Intestate … in which case he’d be listed in the Grant Book, which doesn’t survive for that year?

On the other hand, Robert’s daughter-in-law Penelope Brice (1707) is listed here:
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QSQ-G94X-RLLS?cc=3460908

She has a W next to her name, and a copy of her will is in the surviving 1706-1708 Will Book:
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QSQ-G94F-MHRW?cc=3460908&personaUrl=%2Fark%3A%2F61903%2F1%3A1%3AWGHD-2Y2M
Title: Re: Index to Irish Wills 1484-1858: Where to find the wills?
Post by: John Falvey on Tuesday 24 November 20 20:46 GMT (UK)
Hi there,

I have only indexed pre-1858 wills from https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/225052?availability=Family%20History%20Library

That catalogue overlaps with https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/3590?availability=Family%20History%20Library Some of the salvaged wills and early post-1922 submissions appear in three different catalogues!

They are all indexed at https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/1047420?availability=Family%20History%20Library Eight volumes of 6000+ card index pages These point to:
*"T" references in catalogue 225052 eg https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSH8-T3YG?i=4062&cat=1047420
*abstracts by Gertrude Thrift, these are at https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/234649?availability=Family%20History%20Library, try cross-referencing https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSH8-R3Y3-Y?i=4065&cat=1047420
*the Will Books and Grant Books - including the ones not on-line

PS I've updated the list of pre-1858 wills, I missed a batch of 45 Armagh wills.
Title: Re: Index to Irish Wills 1484-1858: Where to find the wills?
Post by: John Falvey on Tuesday 24 November 20 21:04 GMT (UK)
The will book that covered 1664-1684 was Book 13, one of five that have 1676 wills in them. See https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-994X-T227?i=10&cat=466810

I think the "I" next to Robert's name indicates that he died Intestate. That's borne out by Betham see https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-89LW-24YF?i=167&cat=224404
Title: Re: Index to Irish Wills 1484-1858: Where to find the wills?
Post by: John Falvey on Tuesday 24 November 20 21:07 GMT (UK)
….and no, you cannot look up wills with a "T" reference from https://www.nationalarchives.ie/search-the-online-catalogue/simple/#!/
Title: Re: Index to Irish Wills 1484-1858: Where to find the wills?
Post by: Gilby on Tuesday 24 November 20 21:46 GMT (UK)
Wow, no wonder I get confused.  So the T numbers are references given by the LDS rather than NAI?  If the physical records are held by the NAI, is there any way to find them in their catalogue?  I find the PRONI catalogue much easier, but that may be because I’ve actually been there a load of times, whereas I’ve yet to make it down to the NAI or NLI in Dublin…

The 8x6000 card indexes should in theory be a list of most wills for which there is a surviving copy or abstract?  These names should also be included in Eneclann “Index of Irish Wills 1484-1858”, right?  (Or at least all the pre-1858 ones.)

I had a go at checking the card indexes and cross-referencing to the T numbers and Thrift Abstracts, with some success.  I also saw references to grant books and the surviving Connor will book.  Then there are random ones like the “Greene MSS”…?

https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSH8-R3Y1-L?i=4090&cat=1047420

What we need is a master list of ALL wills/administrations which says whether or not a known abstract or copy exists, and if so where to find it.
Title: Re: Index to Irish Wills 1484-1858: Where to find the wills?
Post by: Gilby on Tuesday 24 November 20 21:48 GMT (UK)
The will book that covered 1664-1684 was Book 13, one of five that have 1676 wills in them. See https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-994X-T227?i=10&cat=466810

Ah!  I’d thought the book included all Prerogative wills for that period.  It is good to know, but also quite disappointing.


I think the "I" next to Robert's name indicates that he died Intestate. That's borne out by Betham see https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-89LW-24YF?i=167&cat=224404

Yes, ok, this makes more sense now.  Thanks.
Title: Re: Index to Irish Wills 1484-1858: Where to find the wills?
Post by: Gilby on Tuesday 24 November 20 22:25 GMT (UK)
I’ve come across a T reference I can’t find for a James Stevenson (1833):
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSJD-Z849?i=2482&cat=1047420

None of the films listed here seem to include a T8809:
https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/225052?availability=Family%20History%20Library

Though the one with DGS number 8086229 apparently has T8804, T8818, T8819 etc.  When I look at the microfilm I’m struggling to see any T-numbers:
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSNP-493C-8?i=6&cat=225052

Am I likely to find T8809 in here eventually if I go through all the images?  James Stevenson (1833) is not listed in your index.
Title: Re: Index to Irish Wills 1484-1858: Where to find the wills?
Post by: John Falvey on Wednesday 25 November 20 09:40 GMT (UK)
There are gaps in the LDS filming, often they include a sheet saying which ones are missing. Also some of the early filming was done before the documents had reference numbers written on them.
Title: Re: Index to Irish Wills 1484-1858: Where to find the wills?
Post by: John Falvey on Wednesday 25 November 20 09:45 GMT (UK)
The Greene MSS are at https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/469457?availability=Family%20History%20Library - only accessible from an LDS Family History Centre though.
Title: Re: Index to Irish Wills 1484-1858: Where to find the wills?
Post by: Gilby on Saturday 28 November 20 12:18 GMT (UK)
Thanks for the link to the Greene MSS.  Do you know why the LDS only allow viewing at Family History Centres for some of their microfilms?

Any idea what the PRONI reference is for the 1370 estate duty wills they hold?

Do you know if anyone has attempted to index the wills in the IGRS Card Index?
Title: Re: Index to Irish Wills 1484-1858: Where to find the wills?
Post by: John Falvey on Saturday 28 November 20 13:45 GMT (UK)
I'm afraid I haven't worked out the logic behind LDS decisions. Looking back at some of the recent links I've mentioned I had marked them as "only available at FHC" (Family History Center), but they've obviously become available in the last year.

I don't know the PRONI reference for the Estate Duties wills, though I have looked through the LDS catalogue at https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/597301?availability=Family%20History%20Library and most of the wills were proved at the Prerogative Court of Canterbury (PCC) so you can get them for free from Kew. Some weren't PCC though, an extract from a London will for Jeremiah Lawler is attached.

Something else that is supposed to be at PRONI is the Tenison Groves collection - https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/361776?availability=Family%20History%20Library There's a 100 page index to it at https://www.familysearch.org/library/books/records/item/437667-redirection This is also available at a FHC - it's nicely typed too.

As for the IGRS wills I did think of indexing it but the majority of wills were Betham so I quit after the letter "A".
Title: Re: Index to Irish Wills 1484-1858: Where to find the wills?
Post by: John Falvey on Saturday 28 November 20 13:48 GMT (UK)
Random list of will abstracts:
16 Carrigan Clerical Wills   https://archive.org/details/archiviumhiberni01cath/page/148
42 Carrigan Clerical Wills   https://www.jstor.org/stable/25485474
10 Cashel Wills/ Extracts   https://www.jstor.org/stable/25502565
10 Langford will extracts by Sadleir   https://archive.org/details/descendantsofjoh00maes/page/n16/mode/2up
15 Blake Wills   https://archive.org/details/blakefamilyrecor00blak/page/n291/mode/2up
311 Butler Wills + admons   https://archive.org/details/testamentaryreco00clar/page/n3
200+ Quaker Wills   https://www.failteromhat.com/quaker/quakerindex.php
Waterford IX - 4 wills   http://snap.waterfordcoco.ie/collections/ejournals/100149/100149.pdf
Waterford X - 7 wills   http://snap.waterfordcoco.ie/collections/ejournals/100161/100161.pdf
Waterford XI - 9 wills   http://snap.waterfordcoco.ie/collections/ejournals/103783/103783.pdf
Waterford XII - 6 wills   http://snap.waterfordcoco.ie/collections/ejournals/100589/100589.pdf
Waterford XIII - 2 wills   http://snap.waterfordcoco.ie/collections/ejournals/100156/100156.pdf
Waterford XVI - dozens   http://snap.waterfordcoco.ie/collections/ejournals/100158/100158.pdf
Waterford XVII - dozens   http://snap.waterfordcoco.ie/collections/ejournals/103799/103799.pdf
Waterford XVIII - dozens   http://snap.waterfordcoco.ie/collections/ejournals/105239/105239.pdf
Upton Papers - Hodson, Dunne etc   https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSH3-S3Q4-T?mode=g&i=294&cat=449656
Limerick  - Andrew Welsh 1782   http://www.limerickcity.ie/media/NMAS%20vol%2002%20no%2001,%20(x)%20Miscellanea%20-%20Information%20of%20Dr.%20Zachary%20Ormsby;%20Will%20of%20a%20Limerick%20printer%20of%20the%2018th%20century%20(Andrew%20Welsh).pdf
Limerick - 5 wills   http://www.limerickcity.ie/media/NMAJ%20vol%201%20no%204%2019%20Some%20Limerick%20Wills,%20by%20R.%20Hayes.pdf
Limerick - 6 wills   http://www.limerickcity.ie/media/NMAJ%20vol%202%20no%202%2009%20Some%20Old%20Limerick%20Wills,%20by%20Dr.%20Richard%20Hayes.pdf
Limerick - 106 wills & abstracts by Sadleir?   https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSH7-H9N6-9?cat=225052
700 pages, mainly Waterford, lots illegible   https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSH7-H9VC-8?i=702&cat=225052
Langrishe Abstracts - 70 wills typed   https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSNH-W9YM-7?i=459&cat=225052
Langrishe Abstracts? - 100+ wills not typed   https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSNH-W9TV-B?i=551&cat=225052
Roscommon, Ormsby - 13 typed abstracts   https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSNR-MS8Z?i=293&cat=225052
Cork - 4 Sarsfield abstracts   https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSNR-W9GF-7?i=614&cat=225052
Cloyne - 12 abstracts   https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSNR-W9GF-G?i=615&cat=225052
Ulster - 15 abstracts plus other snippets   https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSNR-3LM2?i=153&cat=225052
Sundry wills in Register of Deeds   https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSNR-3LNX?i=622&cat=225052
Drought Wills - 81 + 2 Admons   https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSNP-Z9ZF-9?i=445&cat=225052
Skerrett Wills by Crosslé - 29 mainly Tuam   https://www.jstor.org/stable/44973624?seq=1#metadata_info_tab_contents
Crosslé 40 pages of Moore wills extracts and Admons   https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-89LW-G9YP-K?i=5&cat=234637
Thrift - 50 pages of Magenis wills and admons   https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-89L7-Y9MV-P?i=716&cat=234649
plus   https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-89L7-Y9MT-G?i=568&cat=234649
Thrift - 600 pages of wills and bonds   https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-99LW-X4R8?mode=g&i=16&cat=234649
Thrift - 800 pages of wills and admons   https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-99LW-F9HC-P?i=3&cat=234649
Thrift - 900 pages of wills and admons   https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-L9LW-G8F9?i=3&cat=234649
Thrift - 250 pages of wills and admons   https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-99LW-G944-H?i=4&cat=234649
Title: Re: Index to Irish Wills 1484-1858: Where to find the wills?
Post by: Gilby on Saturday 28 November 20 18:13 GMT (UK)
Wow that’s some list to get through.  Thanks  ;D

I believe the Groves manuscripts are T808 at PRONI.  I’ve looked through a few hundred pages, which is a small fraction of the total.  I’m not sure I understand the index you linked to.  Is it grouped by surnames which Grove was researching, and then the secondary lists of names are incidental surnames which cropped during his research?

RE the IGRS.  I copied out all the names from the first three wills to see how long it would take.  It took 10 mins, so I guess to do all ~1500 would be about 83 hours.  If only I didn’t have to do the day job!
Title: Re: Index to Irish Wills 1484-1858: Where to find the wills?
Post by: John Falvey on Saturday 28 November 20 21:40 GMT (UK)
I am sure I don't understand the index I linked to. I think your guess is probably accurate, but without first names and places the references aren't that much use.
Title: Re: Index to Irish Wills 1484-1858: Where to find the wills?
Post by: Gilby on Wednesday 02 December 20 21:40 GMT (UK)
Do you know what this type is referring to?


First name(s)   John
Last name   Courtney
Year   1831
County   -
Document type   Will
Document status   Transcript
Volume   4/236/18
Ref.no.   -
Record set   Index Of Irish Wills 1484-1858
Category   Birth, Marriage, Death & Parish Records
Subcategory   Wills & Probate
Collections from   Ireland
Title: Re: Index to Irish Wills 1484-1858: Where to find the wills?
Post by: John Falvey on Thursday 03 December 20 08:40 GMT (UK)
I can't help with that one. It's not in T810 at PRONI or Eustace's list of will abstracts at https://www.jstor.org/stable/25511851

Pity the Inland Revenue abstract at https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSNR-D973-Y?i=193&cat=234657 has no details.
Title: Re: Index to Irish Wills 1484-1858: Where to find the wills?
Post by: Gilby on Saturday 05 December 20 21:26 GMT (UK)
I think you did find it actually.  The “4/236/18” was referring to the Irish Wills Register, but for whatever reason it was missing the reference number.  I looked up a name from a couple of pages earlier and the index has this:

First name(s)   Henry
Last name   Donnelly
Year   1831
Where grant proved   Prerogative Court
Document type   Will
Document status   Transcript
Volume   4/236/18
Ref.no.   IWR/1831/F/166
Title: Re: Index to Irish Wills 1484-1858: Where to find the wills?
Post by: Gilby on Saturday 05 December 20 21:28 GMT (UK)
This guy should be in the Prerogative Grant Book for 1748-1751:

First name(s)   John
Last name   McCausland
Date of grant   1749
Address   Reighlagh
Where grant proved   Prerogative Court
Document type   Probate
Document status   Transcript
Ref.no.   Prerogative Grant Book/F/118a

Which I thought we had here:
https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/466810?availability=Family%20History%20Library

But that seems to be just the will books and indexes.  I can find this John McCausland in the prerogative will index, but I can’t find the relevant grant book – do you know if it is online?

Come to think of it, this John McCausland did leave a will (PRONI T1021/5), so why would his name be in the grant book?  I thought that administration grants for those who died intestate.
Title: Re: Index to Irish Wills 1484-1858: Where to find the wills?
Post by: John Falvey on Sunday 06 December 20 17:09 GMT (UK)
Only the wills and indexes are at https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/466810?availability=Family%20History%20Library not the Grant Books

The Grant books can include all of the following:

Betham's abstract of his will is at https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-L9LW-6CXN?i=826&cat=224404
Title: Re: Index to Irish Wills 1484-1858: Where to find the wills?
Post by: Gilby on Tuesday 08 December 20 18:14 GMT (UK)
Thanks.  It is good to know that bit more about the grant books.

Yes I was hoping to find an abstract with additional information to what’s in Betham’s.  But I guess the grant book would be even more minimal anyway.
Title: Re: Index to Irish Wills 1484-1858: Where to find the wills?
Post by: Gilby on Monday 08 May 23 21:28 BST (UK)
I’m looking at an entry in the Irish Will Register (IWR/1832/F/521) for Thomas Wilson of Coggery (aka Cogry):

https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSNT-3RFS?i=190&cat=234657

I’m trying to make sense of the notes in the “Consanguinity” and “What deemed” columns.  In the latter there’s something that looks like “Abs” ad “Absurp”, also a word which looks like “Army”, but it has a mark above to show it is an abbreviation.

The consanguinity column is obviously critical to working out how these people were related to each other.  The first note looks like “thra NC” and then maybe “thra” again, or is it “Obra”?
Title: Re: Index to Irish Wills 1484-1858: Where to find the wills?
Post by: Wexflyer on Tuesday 09 May 23 01:34 BST (UK)
I’m looking at an entry in the Irish Will Register (IWR/1832/F/521) for Thomas Wilson of Coggery (aka Cogry):

https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSNT-3RFS?i=190&cat=234657

I’m trying to make sense of the notes in the “Consanguinity” and “What deemed” columns.  In the latter there’s something that looks like “Abs” ad “Absurp”, also a word which looks like “Army”, but it has a mark above to show it is an abbreviation.

The consanguinity column is obviously critical to working out how these people were related to each other.  The first note looks like “thra NC” and then maybe “thra” again, or is it “Obra”?

Is there a way to search just the Inland Revenue Will registers on Family Search? I can see how to pull up the images, but not how to search them....
Title: Re: Index to Irish Wills 1484-1858: Where to find the wills?
Post by: mckha489 on Tuesday 09 May 23 03:23 BST (UK)
I’m looking at an entry in the Irish Will Register (IWR/1832/F/521) for Thomas Wilson of Coggery (aka Cogry):

https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSNT-3RFS?i=190&cat=234657

I’m trying to make sense of the notes in the “Consanguinity” and “What deemed” columns.  In the latter there’s something that looks like “Abs” ad “Absurp”, also a word which looks like “Army”, but it has a mark above to show it is an abbreviation.

The consanguinity column is obviously critical to working out how these people were related to each other.  The first note looks like “thra NC” and then maybe “thra” again, or is it “Obra”?

The word that looks like army is Ann[uit]y
Title: Re: Index to Irish Wills 1484-1858: Where to find the wills?
Post by: jonw65 on Tuesday 09 May 23 08:41 BST (UK)
Is there a way to search just the Inland Revenue Will registers on Family Search? I can see how to pull up the images, but not how to search them....

They are now completely free and indexed on findmypast (I guess you need to be registered)
https://search.findmypast.co.uk/search-world-records/ireland-inland-revenue-wills-and-administrations-1828-1879
Title: Re: Index to Irish Wills 1484-1858: Where to find the wills?
Post by: Gilby on Tuesday 09 May 23 10:06 BST (UK)
Yea, I use the index on FindMyPast too.  However, I had a hunt around Familysearch and found this set of microfilms which include the original index:

https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/670225?availability=Family%20History%20Library
Title: Re: Index to Irish Wills 1484-1858: Where to find the wills?
Post by: Gilby on Tuesday 09 May 23 10:09 BST (UK)
The word that looks like army is Ann[uit]y

Aha, thanks.  So I guess if that's annuity, then the other comments in that column refer to a single payment ... perhaps "Abs[olute]" or something...?
Title: Re: Index to Irish Wills 1484-1858: Where to find the wills?
Post by: Wexflyer on Tuesday 09 May 23 10:43 BST (UK)
The word that looks like army is Ann[uit]y

Aha, thanks.  So I guess if that's annuity, then the other comments in that column refer to a single payment ... perhaps "Abs[olute]" or something...?

That would be my interpretation also. Those entries are for outright gifts.
Title: Re: Index to Irish Wills 1484-1858: Where to find the wills?
Post by: Gilby on Tuesday 09 May 23 11:03 BST (UK)
Ok.  What do you reckon about the consanguinity column?
Title: Re: Index to Irish Wills 1484-1858: Where to find the wills?
Post by: jonw65 on Tuesday 09 May 23 11:40 BST (UK)
Does anything here help? :-\
8.2 Abbreviations used to describe relationships (under ‘consanguinity’ in the register)

Death duties 1796-1903
https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/help-with-your-research/research-guides/death-duties-1796-1903/#8-other-abbreviations-used-in-the-registers
Title: Re: Index to Irish Wills 1484-1858: Where to find the wills?
Post by: jonw65 on Tuesday 09 May 23 11:45 BST (UK)
Stra NC (Stranger, Natural Child)
Stra (Stranger)
 :-\
Title: Re: Index to Irish Wills 1484-1858: Where to find the wills?
Post by: jonw65 on Wednesday 10 May 23 13:47 BST (UK)
What do you reckon about the consanguinity column?

Was the TNA guide any help, Gilby?
Stranger or not?
Title: Re: Index to Irish Wills 1484-1858: Where to find the wills?
Post by: Gilby on Thursday 11 May 23 21:49 BST (UK)
Yes, definitely, that is a very useful webpage!  Thanks!  I agree that it is “Stranger”, e.g. compare the "Stra" to the "Ste" in Stevenson in the executors box at the top - very similar. 

The National Archives guide also identifies one of the abbreviations in the "What deemed" column, abswp = absolute legacy with a proviso (conditional grant).

My reading of the death duties record for Thomas Wilson is now as follows…

Thomas Wilson of Coggery [Cogry], Co Antrim.
Died Dec. 1831.
Will dated 27th May 1831.
Proved 17th Sep 1832, Down.
Sworn under £276.

Executors:
Robert Wilson of Coggery.
James Stevenson of Four Mill [Mile] Burn.

Legacies:
1.   £200 (absolute) charged on testator’s lands in Drains (bequeathed to Robert Wilson) as well as on the personal property.  To Robert Wilson, a natural child. 
2.   £10 (annuity) charged on testator’s lands in Drains (bequeathed to Robert Wilson) as well as on the personal property.  To Anne Kirkwood, a natural child.  For life, provided she does not return to Ireland during the life of her husband.
3.   £50 each (absolute, with proviso) charged on testator’s lands in Drains (bequeathed to Robert Wilson) as well as on the personal property.  To John Kirkwood, Anne Kirkwood, and Thomas Kirkwood, “stranger’s in blood” [probably children of testator’s illegitimate daughter].  Death duties only liable should two of the three die.  Should all three die under the age of 21, then the legacy is to go to Thomas Wilson (relationship not stated).
4.   Residue in legacies not liable to duty.

Inventory:
House goods = £12-10-0
Securities = £133-16-6
Stock = £88-0-0
Other property = £39-0-0
Total = £273-6-6


Am I reading it correctly that the legacies were charged on land which had been bequeathed to Robert Wilson?  Does it make sense that Robert Wilson’s legacy of £200 would be charged on land already owned by him?  If not, does this show that there were two Robert Wilsons who were beneficiaries of Thomas Wilson’s will?

The stipulation that Anne Kirkwood is not to return to Ireland during her husband’s lifetime is an unusual one.  Often a legacy for a child abroad is only offered on the condition that they do return.  I wonder what the story was in this case.
Title: Re: Index to Irish Wills 1484-1858: Where to find the wills?
Post by: jonw65 on Friday 12 May 23 09:14 BST (UK)
Hi Gilby
I think you have read it perfectly.
It is an excellent guide from TNA, glad it was useful. The story of Anne Kirkwood sounds as if it will be a good one, but I haven't been able to get a line on it.

Gosh, I am well out of my depth with your specific question about the land. Can someone help?
Jon
Title: Re: Index to Irish Wills 1484-1858: Where to find the wills?
Post by: Gilby on Saturday 13 May 23 17:39 BST (UK)
Well, it turns out I actually have a copy of Thomas Wilson's will from PRONI (D300/1/5/98).

I can confirm there were two Robert Wilsons (several in fact).  Thomas gave his land in Drains to his brother Robert Wilson subject to certain legacies including the sum of £200 to his son Robert Wilson.

Anne Kirkwood's story is less interesting than I was expecting.  Thomas's wish was that she and her husband should reside in America "or some other foreign country" and if they were to return then the annuity was to stop.  However, if Anne was widowed then she could return to Ireland.

I think that was still a useful exercise even if it turns out there's more information elsewhere!