England, Durham Diocese, Renunciations - FamilySearch Historical Records

What is in This Collection?
This collection includes two renunciations from 1767 and 1794 by administrators (or executors) of the rights to administer the goods of deceased person, probably strays from Durham consistory court papers for particular probate causes.

The purpose of renunciations is to allow anyone that has been appointed as the executor of someone's will that doesn't want to be so, to give up their title as "Grant of Probate."

These records are linked to an index on Durham University's website.

Sample Image


Renunciation records generally contain the following information:


 * Name of appointed executor
 * Date
 * Place
 * Name of new appointee
 * Name of deceased
 * Signature of executor(s)

How Do I Search This Collection?
This section provides information on how to search the collection, what to do with information once found, and what to do if no record is found.

As you are searching it is helpful to know such information as your ancestor's given name and surname, some identifying information such as residence, age, estimated [event] year, and family relationships.

To browse by image: To search the collection you will need to follow this series of links: ⇒Select "Browse through images" on the initial collection page ⇒Select the “University of Durham Library Reference number" category which takes you to the images

Search the collection by image comparing the information with what you already know about your ancestors to determine if the image relates to them. You may need to look at several images and compare the information about the individuals listed in those images to your ancestors to make this determination.


 * Many times, people appointed a family member(s) to be the executor(s) of their will when they passed away. Use the name of the deceased to search for other family records.
 * Use the date and time on the document to search other related records as well.

Tips to Keep in Mind

 * When looking for a person who had a common name, look at all the entries for the name before deciding which is correct.
 * Remember that there may be more than one person in the records with the same name as your ancestor and that your ancestor may have used nicknames or different names at different times.
 * Titles may be clues to property ownership, occupations, rank, or status within the community.
 * Check for variant spellings of the names.

Citing This Collection
Citations help you keep track of places you have searched and sources you have found. Identifying your sources helps others find the records you used.

"England, Durham Diocese, Renunciations, 1767 and 1794." Images. FamilySearch. http://FamilySearch.org : accessed 2017. Special Collections, Palace Green Library, Durham University, Durham.
 * Collection Citation:

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