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General => The Common Room => Topic started by: Ayashi on Wednesday 27 August 08 15:52 BST (UK)
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How does one go about finding a last will and testiment? I know a few members of my family have managed it at various points. I'd be interested to get a hold of the Will of Theophilus JONES (Eliz J would probably have left everything to Theo) and see if any of her illegitimate children were benefactors. Or if any other children we don't know about are named.
I doubt any of the possible fathers of Eliz J would have left her anything.
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Hi Ayashi,
Some useful answers here:
http://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php/topic,288503.0.html
http://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php/topic,81717.0.html
http://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php/topic,90384.0.html
Kind regards,
Barbara
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Thank you. I should probably pay more attention!
I assume you have to pay to get a copy?
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"Unfortunately, in 1942 the Probate Registry was destroyed in the bombing and all the wills were burnt. This means that all the original wills no longer exist - a great loss for those researching Devon families. However, copies of some wills do survive - read on for information on locating Devon wills. "
Oh joy! Fingers crossed then!
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I assume you have to pay to get a copy?
Probably, although some are online :-\
Barbara
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I don't know what date you are interested in but several Theophilus Joneses left PCC wills pre-1858
http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/documentsonline/browse-refine.asp?CatID=6&searchType=browserefine&pagenumber=1&query=*&queryType=1
Carole
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Thank you, they may be ancestors of his :) Theo was only born in 1863 so not him :) I'll keep a note of them in case they appear further back :D
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Ayashi,
Do you know where he died (County)
Celia
P.S I have just typed the name in on the Gazetteer it brought up loads of pages with the name all different years.But you find some thing among them
http://www.gazettes-online.co.uk/AdvancedSearch.aspx?
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a solicitor can do a search on all wills, best to find one locally to where your inquiry relates, they will know what to do, it isn't expensive
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You don't need to pay a solicitor
There are indexes to all wills proved after 1858 which are free to use. The originals are at the principal probate registry in Holborn London.
But there are lots of local copies around the country and abroad. Usually in record offices or a main library going up to the 1960.
If the will was proved locally you can often find copies in local record offices. If not you can order a will for £5 from the postal division in York(just put principal probate registry in your search engine and you will find it). They will also conduct a 3 year search and supply a copy of a will if found for the same price
If you can't find it email me and I'll send you the address and link
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Thank you :) I have his death cert so I know exactly when and where he died. I'll have a search around and see what I can find.
Cheers everyone :D