Court of the Bishop of Peterborough (Episcopal Consistory)

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To read a general explanation of probates in England, click here.

Jurisdiction
The Diocese of Peterborough was founded in 1541. From 1541 to about 1598, where there appears to have been a re-organization of the diocese, wills from all deaneries were proved either at Northampton in the archdeacon's court or in the consistory court of Peterborough. After 1598 the wills from the four Eastern deaneries of Oundle, Weldon, Peterborough and Rutland were proven at Peterborough.

Records
The original records are deposited at:

Northamptonshire Records Office Wootton Hall Park Northampton, NN4 8BQ UK Tel: (0)1604 762129 Email:  [mailto:archivist@northamptonshire.gov.uk archivist@northamptonshire.gov.uk]

The Family History Library has film copies of probate records, 1541-1858. Films can be viewed in the library or in a family history center.

Indexes
The Family History Library has:


 * Indexes found with the probate records for 1541-1858 listed above.
 * Index to registered wills, 1541-1646.
 * Calendar of wills, administrations, etc., 1752-1857/8.