How common were wills?

[Darcy2016]

Hello!

I've been searching for extra info on my family and part of that included looking for wills.  Everywhere (online) that I do a search, I come up with nothing for my family. I've tried several places including the National Archives. Perhaps this is a silly question, but is this a likely outcome if they did not a have a lot of money?  Does anyone know how common wills were in the 19th century or even the 18th century?  Thanks!

[Hackstaple]

The index of wills is a long way from being complete. Most of my ancestors were so poor, it seems, that they might only have left a chamber pot! But I had a GGGfather who really owned valuable property in Herefordshire and a business. I presume he left something but the index does not have his will.

[Boongie Pam]

Many local records offices have better indexes.  I can only speak for Carlisle where I found 8 wills from one family.  One of my best finds to date.

Good luck,
Pam