Will

[Jfremont]

My ggrandfather died 1886 at age 47 in London. I have his death certificate. He was an accountant. I would like to determine if there was a will or some record after his death which might mention his family. I am about to send an application for a probate search to The Probate Registry in York. I find the subject of wills confusing from readings of books from the library and searching the net. Am I on the right track?

Any advice would be appreciated.

Thank you, John

[Peter Goodey]

You are on the right lines!


You can read an explanation here: http://www.hmcourts-service.gov.uk/cms/1226.htm


It's wills before 1858 that get really confusing.

[Jfremont]

Thanks Peter,

I read some previous threads which you provided that site.

Happy New Year

John

[Wirral]

Hi John
Before sending off to York, post the name of your g,grandfather on this site. There are a number of people on here who have access to the Probate Index which covers England & Wales from 1858. It will probably be cheaper & easier for you to get a copy of the will if you have the details, eg the date the will was proved & where, who was granted the probate.
As it is the New Year holiday, you may need to wait until next week for the info.

[Peter Goodey]

John can also carry out a search himself by ordering in the film(s) through the Mormons.

[Jfremont]

Hi Wirral and Peter,

Thank you both for your advice and assistance. My ggrandfather was named John Scott, died 14 April 1886, 47 years old, accountant's clerk, at 38 Roman Road, Islington.
If anyone has access to the probate indexes I would appreciate help. Otherwise I will post a request to York.
Thanks
John

[Wirral]

I had a look at the Probate Indexes for 1886, 1887, 1888, but no John Scott who matched your description.:(

[Peter Goodey]

":("Ah, but you've just saved John a fiver (?) so perhaps it's worth a :) !

[Jfremont]

Thank you Wirral so much for looking this up for me. I guess I have to look to other means to connect the dots.

John

[Wirral]

Although I didn't find the "right" John Scott in the probate records, I did find this one:

"Scott, John Thomas. 6 Feb 1886 £160 personal estate, late of Windsor in the county of Berkshire, Assistant & Errandman in the Confectionary Department of Windsor Castle died 26 Jan 1886 at Buckingham Palace, proved Principal Registry by Colin George Scott of 1 Costa St Choumert Rd Peckham Surrey Compositor the sole Executor."

[Jfremont]

I figured that finding a probate record would be a long shot but worthwhile to check none the less. I have a problem linking my John Scott to his parents since I am pretty sure he did not message=I figured that finding a probate record would be a long shot but worthwhile to check none the less. I have a problem linking my John Scott to his parents since I am pretty sure he did not marry my ggrandmother because he was already married to someone in Northumberland. The evidence through census records and following the later census records suggests I am on the right track though.
Thanks Wirral very much for checking on my behalf.
John