Wills

[Rossolad]

Hello Rootschatters,  

I'm sure I'm not the first to ask but I can't seem to find any information on the subject.

Where do I begin to look for Wills?    I know various death dates etc on individuals but a Will tells you so much more, where do I start?

Rossolad
Ray

[stanmapstone]

See Wills and Probate Records
http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/catalogue/RdLeaflet.asp?sLeafletID=168

Stan

[stanmapstone]

You can get probate records from 1858 from the York Probate Sub-Registry Castle Chambers, Clifford St., York; the charge per will £5; You can download an application form at
http://www.hmcourts-service.gov.uk/courtfinder/forms/pa1s_0405.pdf

Stan

[Rossolad]

Hello,

Many thanks Stan, I've been to the website for National records but get lost after the first page!!!   You've narrowed it down so I might be luckier now.   I've never been able to find the York site!

Thanks again

Ray

[stanmapstone]

Hi Ray,
This is the site http://www.hmcourts-service.gov.uk/infoabout/civil/probate/index.htm

Stan

[Rossolad]

Hello again Stan,

Thanks for the extra, I ran out of time yesterday so didn't have a search so I'll give it a go today.

Ray

[julianb]

Ray

Some UK Records offices have fiches of the Probate  Calendars - a summary of the will or the granting of administration - from 1858 onwards.

So you get information like this for a will:

Robert Rose, of Great Chesterford, retired Miller, died 21 February 1903.  Probate Ipswich 23 April 1903 to John Danns Rose, cabinet maker.  Effects £48 10s

or for administration:

Frederick Langridge, of 127 Sydenham Road North, Croydon, Surrey, died 3 January 1907.  Administration London 25 January 1907 to Ann Baker (wife of Frank Baker).  Effects £66 10s

Sheffield Archives certainly have fiches of these probate calendars and its worth working through them (they are organised in alphabetical order by year), and which saves paying out for a search fee.

Before 1858, it's more complicated - most wills are in the local records office, but it all depended on the estimated value of the estate (as you will have found out if you've read the links Stan has provided).

Good luck - I've found some interesting things in wills 

JULIAN

[Rossolad]

Hello Julian,

Thanks for the tips, I'm still wading through the links Stan sent but they make pretty hard reading for me, I have a short attention span and soon get sidetracked, however, all is not lost, slow going but I hope for good results.

I received copies of a couple of wills from someone searching for members of her family who had married mine and through them found a couple of maiden names which were a big help, so you're right when you say it's amazing what information they hold.

Regards and thanks again,

Ray