Court of the Chancellor of the University of Cambridge

England Cambridgeshire  Cambridgeshire Probate Records

Step by Step
1. First search each index (see below) to help you more quickly find the will, writing down each detail cited in the indexed entry.

2. Proceed to the "Records" (below) to determine what original probate records exist for this court. Also see "Family History Library Records."

3. Contact or visit the Cambridge University Library or, hire a professional record searcher to view these records on your behalf. Officials may send upon request a list of record searchers.

4. Visit The Family History Library, or, one of its 4,500 satellite family history centers worldwide and search indexes to probate records; then with the information obtained from the index[es] you can search more quickly the original wills and admons also on microfilm via any centers near you.

Printed and Published Indexes
Calendar of wills proved in Vice-chancellor's court at Cambridge, 1501-1765.

Archive Location
The records are deposited at the Cambridge University Archives at the University Library. Microfilmed copies are at the Cambridgeshire Archives. They include:


 * Original wills, 1540-1765, and a few from 1501
 * Register copy wills, 1501-1765
 * Administration bonds, 1541-1746
 * Inventories, 1498-1744, 1761

Archive Records
Add information.

Family History Library Records
Records have been microfilmed and are also available at the Family History Library and through family history centers. They include:


 * Probate records, 1501-1765

Jurisdiction
This court had jurisdiction solely over members of Cambridge University and certain 'privileged' persons connected with the University. It was presided over more often by the Vice-Chancellor and was sometimes referred to as the Court of the Vice-Chancellor.