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England (Counties as in 1851-1901) => England => Topic started by: kellieyantonio on Thursday 25 January 07 12:16 GMT (UK)

Title: wills on national archives
Post by: kellieyantonio on Thursday 25 January 07 12:16 GMT (UK)
someone very helpful sent me details of a will in hampshire records office, now I canīt find it on NA index to get a copy ??? details are: title will of Alexander wills of Marchwood, eling, hampshire date 1834
title attested copia probate of the will of alexander wills 19 jul 1839. thankyou in advance for any help
Title: Re: wills on national archives
Post by: Little Nell on Thursday 25 January 07 12:36 GMT (UK)
Hi,

If it was proved in Winchester but not in the PCC (Prerogative Court of Canterbury) then it will not be available on the National Archives site.

You can however order a copy by post from Winchester.

Nell
Title: Re: wills on national archives
Post by: kellieyantonio on Thursday 25 January 07 12:39 GMT (UK)
thanks Nell, I donīt quite understand that bit of ...Canterbury, but anyway, they do have a research service in hampshire record office, but very expensive, through credit card from spain !! thanks anyway
Title: Re: wills on national archives
Post by: Little Nell on Thursday 25 January 07 12:46 GMT (UK)
Pre 1858, wills were proved in a church court and it could range from the local archdeacon's court, through the Bishop's court to the highest, the Archbishop of Canterbury's court (this is the PCC).  At the simplest level, it depended where the property you had to leave was located.  If only with the parish where you lived, then it was probably dealt with at a very local level.  Property spread over a wider area meant that you had to go to a higher authority.

Since you know the reference of the will, you can just ask the record office for a copy of it.  See this page:

http://www.hants.gov.uk/record-office/services/photocopy.html

Cheaper than using their research service probably.

Nell
Title: Re: wills on national archives
Post by: kellieyantonio on Thursday 25 January 07 12:48 GMT (UK)
thanks a lot , will do it right now !