England & Wales National Probate Calendar...

[Charles IX]

Hello everyone

This might be a easy question to answer but I dont know myself, first off can someone tell me the difference between a will and an administraions? Are they the same thing? Because I have found out thanks to the new "Index of wills and administraions 1861-1941" on A******y.com loads of records of my ancestors. What I'd also like to know is if these records mean they left wills how could I obtain a copy of them?

Thanks in advance
Charles

[Little Nell]

If someone dies intestate i.e. they do not leave a 'last will and testament' then their affairs need to be wound up in some way.  Someone - a relative or perhaps a solicitor - will apply for permission to administer the affairs of the deceased person.  This is called a grant of administration.  The applicant had to swear that there was no will, that he would pay all the funeral expenses etc, as well as carry out the administration truly and properly.  Letters of Administration would then be granted.

To apply for a copy of a will, go to:

http://www.hmcourts-service.gov.uk/cms/1226.htm

application form here:
http://www.hmcourts-service.gov.uk/cms/1226.htm

fill in the form and you have to send it off with payment to York.

Postal Searches and Copies Department
The Probate Registry
Castle Chambers
Clifford Street
York YO1 9RG

Nell

[Little Nell]

Forgot to say that administration would also apply if there was a will, but the executors named in the will had since died themselves.  Some other person/family member would then apply in their stead.

Nell

[coombs]

I have a great grandmother and great grandfather who died in 1942 and 1945 and their son applied for an administration in January 1947.

[stanmapstone]

Forgot to say that administration would also apply if there was a will, but the executors named in the will had since died themselves.  Some other person/family member would then apply in their stead.

Nell

Letters of Administration cum testamento annexo (with the will annexed) are also granted when the deceased's will does not appoint executors, or when the executors named do not prove the will.

Stan

[Charles IX]

Thats all great! Thanks to everyone for getting back so quickly

Nell - Is that place in York the only place I could see the wills?

Charles

[coombs]

The Principal Probate Registry in Holborn London can give you a copy of a will or admon after an hour of placing the order if you visit in person.

[lizdb]

They can be viewed at the Probate registry in Holborn, London
The York address is where to send off for them

All info on
http://www.hmcourts-service.gov.uk/cms/1226.htm

[Charles IX]

Great, Thanks! I'll go to that place in Holborn sometime in the next few weeks