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Census Lookups General Lookups => Census and Resource Discussion => Topic started by: Simon007 on Thursday 05 September 13 22:55 BST (UK)

Title: Calendar of Wills 1537 - 1799 .... help !
Post by: Simon007 on Thursday 05 September 13 22:55 BST (UK)

I wonder if anyone can tell me where I should look for a Will pre the 1858 National Probate Calendar ?  I have found the one I want (see below) but not sure if I can obtain a copy from the same probate office as you apply for those post 1858 Wills or if it would be in an archive somewhere.


John Shire, clerk of Buckland St Mary, Somerset, 5 May 1772, listed in Calendar of Wills, 1537-1799, and Administration in the Court of the Archdeacon of Taunton

 
Thanks for any help,
Simon

Title: Re: Calendar of Wills 1537 - 1799 .... help !
Post by: Bookbox on Friday 06 September 13 00:12 BST (UK)

I believe most of the original wills proved in the Archdeaconry Court of Taunton before 1858 were destroyed when the Exeter probate registry was bombed in WW2.

Usually only the printed Calendar/index references exist, but copies of a few of these wills have been found elsewhere. See the link below, or contact the Somerset Heritage Centre for more information.

http://www1.somerset.gov.uk/archives/Wills.htm

Title: Re: Calendar of Wills 1537 - 1799 .... help !
Post by: Simon007 on Friday 06 September 13 13:20 BST (UK)

Many thanks.  That's a pity.  I will add it to my list of things to ask when I go to the Somerset Heritage Centre.