Family History

Wills and Probate Records

The last words of an ancestor can give a real insight into their lives, what they treasured and how successful they we're in life. Wills can also produce new ancestors that appear from no where. Why should I order my ancestors Will? A Will to me are the final words of an ancestors life, everything they've done comes down to this document (if it exsists). Im not saying to order the Will for every ancestor, that could be expensive. However if you have followed a particular ancestor for some time, then it is worth closing they story with the Will or the proof that they never made a Will.

Obtaining a Will or Letter of Probate

Wills and Probates can be found at the National Archives are Kew under the PROB series of documents. The Death Duty Registers are under the IR 26 series the indexes of these are on microfilm under IR 27.

From 1858 an index of probates was created this is called the Probate Calendar. Between 1858 and 1973 the Calendar was record in books.

You can order a probate search from HM Court Services website.The search cost £5 which includes a copy of the grant and a copy of the will.

Download the Probate Search Form

Payment should be made by cheque or postal order, payable to HMCS.