Looking for a will

[Redroger]

Good and helpful news about the post 1858 copies Stan, no doubt that applies to the other counties affected too? But regards pre 1858 it must be good luck if the will has survived?

[stanmapstone]

Some Pre 1858 Somerset Wills  have been published in two volumes by the Somerset Record Society in 2003 and 2008.

Stan

[Redroger]

Thanks Stan; I was fortunate enough to discover a family will in Dorset History Centre dated 1671. It was a microfilmed copy of a document with very charred edges. As it was from Blandford Forum I assumed it had survived the fire of 1731, but it now occurs that it may have surv ived two fires, Blandford 1731, and Exeter 1942. I was obviously meant to find it.

[lizb]

NAtional probate index 1858 to 1941 is now on Ancestry.
YOu can search it by date of death as well as date of probate. which is very useful as it makes it easier to find wills that were not proved until some time after death.

Post 1941 you can search on digital indexes at the probate office - quite quick and simple if you visit or ask someone to do for you - easy to scan several years until you find what youwant.

YOu can obtain copies from the probate registry - in person - or by sending cheque for £5 to the London address.

Index should include all wills proved since 1858. However I am missing a couple I am sure should have wills as they left property. Its so frustrating all those Somerset wills that were deatroyed!

lizb

[Redroger]

Thanks for that Lizb, will give it a try, but not too hopeful due to the Dorset and Somerset connections.