Looking for a will

[LizO]

In the 1960s, when she was a pensioner, my grandmother received a small legacy from her great-grandfather - who had died about 1908. He had given someone a lifetime tenancy in a property, and that person had finally died so the estate could be wound up.

The maker of the will lived in Taunton. One of the executors, also a descendent, worked for a firm of solicitors in Bristol. My grandmother received her small legacy in 1969. Her first contact with the solicitors was in 1966. By then, the executors had been looking for the 30 beneficiaries "for some time", so it's hard to say when the lifetime tenant died.

I'd like to get a copy of the will. Can anyone advise me where to look?

LizO   

[stanmapstone]

You can get probate records from 1858 from the York Probate Sub-Registry Castle Chambers, Clifford St., York; the charge per will £5; You can download an application form at
http://www.hmcourts-service.gov.uk/courtfinder/forms/pa1s_0405.pdf

Stan

[LizO]

Thanks, Stan. That's very helpful.

Much appreciated.

LizO

[Redroger]

Hope you are succesful LizO, however I believe that very many of the Somerset wills which had been taken to Exeter for safe keeping were destroyed in an air raid in WW2

[LizO]

Yes, I'd heard that. However, since it wasn't settled until the 1960s, they must have had some paper to work with that survived the war. I presume that in the years between the will maker's death in 1908 and 1969 when the legacy was paid out, it would have been kept by the solicitors? Were the wills sent to Exeter those that had already been executed or not? I don't know.

Liz

[stanmapstone]

After 1858 A registered copy of each will and letter of administration was retained in Exeter, and a copy was sent to the Principal Registry in London. Thus copies of all wills and administrations for England and Wales from 1858 until the present are also kept in London at the Principal Probate Registry.
http://www.devon.gov.uk/wills_records
So copies of all wills after 1858 are available.

Stan

[LizO]

Thanks for clearing that up, Stan. The link you sent explains things well.

So in looking for this particular will in indexes, taking into account the delay between the death of the testator and the final work on the will, would you expect to be listed in the early 1900s or in the 1960s?

LizO

[stanmapstone]

The will would be indexed when probate was granted. Probate is a certificate to the effect that the will is valid and the executors are authorised to administer the deceased's estate, and carry out the wishes of the deceased.

Stan

[LizO]

I guess that means early 1900s it is. I will see what turns up.

Thanks,

LizO