England and Wales, National Index of Wills and Administrations - FamilySearch Historical Records

England

Wales

What is in This Collection?
This collection is the National Probate Calendar for England and Wales, it is an index to proved wills and administrations from 1858-1957. The calendar was created by the Principal Probate Registry, which was established in London in 1858.

What Can These Records Tell Me?
The calendar generally includes the following:
 * Name
 * Date of death
 * Place of death
 * Names of administrators or executors
 * Place of probate

How Do I Search This Collection?
Before searching, it is best to know the following information:
 * Name of the person
 * Approximate date of the event

How Do I Analyze the Results?
Compare each result from your search with what you know to determine if there is a match. This may require viewing multiple records or images. Keep track of your research in a research log.

I Found the Person I Was Looking For, What Now?

 * If possible, look at an image of the original record. The original may contain information that was not recorded in the index
 * Use the birth date and place to search for a birth information in church or civil records
 * Use the birth and age to search for the individual in censuses

I Can’t Find the Person I’m Looking For, What Now?

 * If your ancestor does not have a common name, collect entries for every person who has the same surname. This can help you find possible relatives
 * Search the records of nearby areas
 * Check for other names. An individual might have been listed under a middle name, a nickname, or an abbreviation of their given name

Record Finder
Consult the England Record Finder and Consult the Wales Record Finder to find other records

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.


 * Collection Citation:

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