Genealogy Chat

Hi Everyone, I would be most grateful if anyone is able to guide me onto the right path here..?? I am trying to find out if a 3x Great Aunt had left a Will (hoping it will answer a few questions). She died in South Shields during March quarter 1915 (I am waiting for her death certificate to arrive, to know the exact date). I have searched through a few sites but cannot seem to find where I can obtain (if one exsisted) a Will. I was wondering if anyone here has already gone throu this channel and could kindly tell me where I should be looking, as I am going around in circles and no results. Many THANKS in advance. Regards, Dawn.

The Indexes to all wills proved by the probate courts 1858 to date are held in the search rooms of the princepal registry in Holborn, London The indexes are free to search. Copies of wills are £5 each and take about an hour to produce. A fantastic service!!! Wills before 1858 are in the Nat Archives at Kew. Many are available on line from their site

Hi Lord Martyn of Bletchingley, Thank You very much for kindly replying. I have just googled the Principal Registry in Holborn and read through. I was hoping that I'd be able to search the indexes online but it seems you have to do this in person. Well, thats on my 'hit list' when we get the chance to visit London...!! Your advice/help has been much appreciated, Thank You. Kind Regards, Dawn.

you can also write to any of the probate registry's with details of name, address and date of death of the person your looking for and they will see if there is a Will that has been proven, it costs £5.00 for the first 3yrs and then £3.00 for each 3 yr period thereafter

Sadly no, the Probate indexes aren't online but you may not have to wait until you get to London. A number of County Records Offices hold the probate calendars on Microfiche. Or you could apply to York by post for a search and copy of any will found. Postal Searches and Copies Department, The Probate Registry, Castle Chambers, Clifford Street, York, YO1 9RG They search for a 4 year spread and the £5 fee includes a copy of will or letters of admin if found, but non returnable if there wasn't a will. I believe you can also apply via other probate offices but I'm not sure of the procedure. By the way, for wills prior to 1858, whilst its true that The National Archives have some wills - those proved at the consistory court of Canterbury, many, many more wills were proved at archdeacon's or Bishop's courts around the country and are held in County records offices. The Canterbury ones tend to be for people who held property in more than one diocese, or wanted to appear important by having the will proved in the top court.

Hi Stephanie & Judith, Many 'THANKS' for your useful info. It's a shame that you are not able to search the indexes online, to know for certain that you'll have a Will posted throu your letter box. But, the fee price is very reasonable for not to take the chance. Thank You both very much. Kindest Regards, Dawn.