How do I find out whether someone has made a will?

[Tinker]

Apologies if this question has been asked previously. I have never had occasion to search for a will before, so have no idea where to start, or what to do. I'm wondering whether my 3xg-grandfather, Charles Newton, who died in 1915, would have left a will, as he and one of his sons had a cork merchant's business, which survived until the early 20th century. I have no idea whether his son continued in the business after his death, or if the business was wound up at that point, which is where the will comes in. I'm hoping that, if there is one, it will fill in some of the gaps in my knowledge.

[Peter Goodey]

http://www.hmcourts-service.gov.uk/cms/1226.htm

There are various copies of the calendars around. It might be worth asking your county library service and county record office.

[Geoffers]

Using the film copy of the calendar of probate and admon (letters of administration) is really easy and enough detail is included to identify individuals. Do remember that you may have to search for a few years after the death to find a reference - but do give it a go.

[Tinker]

Thanks to both of you! Our main library has a well-stocked Local Studies section, so they should have the calendars you mention. I take it that the calendars will cover the whole country, not just the local county? (My Newtons were Londoners, and I'm in Wiltshire.)

[Geoffers]

Thanks to both of you! Our main library has a well-stocked Local Studies section, so they should have the calendars you mention. I take it that the calendars will cover the whole country, not just the local county? (My Newtons were Londoners, and I'm in Wiltshire.)

The system of proving wills changed in the mid-19th century. Until 1857 it was fragmented amongst ecclesiastical courts. After 1858 there was a unified system for the country which also includes details of some people who died abroad but held estate here - it's a useful way of tracing family members who 'disappeared'.

The calendars are copied onto microfilm, arranged alphabetically by surname and then forename. Each entry should include when and where someone died - where they lived if different from place of death, often their occupation is recorded. The value of estate, when and where probate/admon was granted and to whom. The person to whom probate/admon was granted - their details often include an occupation and/or relationship to the deceased and/or where they lived (e.g. you may find an entry reads that probate was granted to AB, of Middle Street, Norwich, baker, brother and CD, of Broad Street, Norwich, widow, executors).

[Tinker]

Thank you Geoffers! A trip to my library will be forthcoming!

[Geoffers]

I should have mentioned that it's often worth a phone call first to see if you have to book a microfilm reader.

[Tinker]

You're right. As a general rule, we're supposed to, but in the past when I've arrived just as the library is opening, and needed to look up Bishop's Transcripts etc, they've allowed me to use a reader without any problems.

[Dargie]

Please excuse me for highjacking this thread but I am a frustrated "wills newbie"!
I am wondering if someone could tell me how these calendars are accessed if I cannot pop into a county office and use the reader!
I am Down Under and do not know how to find out if any wills exist which belonged to any of my relatives.
Is there any way to access these details on line? I was able to find the will of my great grandfather (which was very helpful and informative)through the National Achives site.Have no idea why that happened! No luck with any other names however!

Cheers
Marj.

[caliope]

Hi Dargie,

I also am a newbie, so I can only tell you my experience finding a will from out of the country. I was browsing through the death registers on FindMyPast and managed to find an entry listed for my gg grandfather. Using his name, address and date of death listed on the register, I wrote to the Her Majesty's Courts Service - York Probate-Sub Registry. After paying a nominal fee, I received the will in the mail. Wills are my favourite genealogical documentation as they tell you so much about family relationships and fortunes!