Question Details
- Question:
- hi just wondering how i can get a copy of an old will 1600 ? please help thank u Helen helenfisher@sky.com
- Answer:
It does depend on whether you require a Welsh or English Will.
Welsh
Wills which were proved in the Welsh ecclesiastical courts before the introduction of Civil Probate on 11 January 1858 have long been deposited at The National Library of Wales. An online index and an opportunity to view digital images of these wills within the Library building has been available for sometime, however, from October 2009 these are also available on-line.
Bangor: 1635 – 1858
Brecon: 1543 – 1858
Chester (Welsh wills): 1557 – 1858
Hawarden: 1554 – 1858
Llandaf: 1568 – 1857
St Asaph: 1565 – 1857
St David’s: 1556 – 1858
The National Library of Wales website http://cat.llgc.org.uk/cgi-bin/gw/chameleon?skin=profeb&lng=en
English
You can search and download Prerogative Court of Canterbury (PCC) wills made between 1384 and January 1858. The PCC was the most important of these courts dealing with relatively wealthy individuals living mainly in the south of England and most of Wales. This site is the National Archives and has been operating for some time with a fee of £3-50p per will.
http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/documentsonline/wills.asp
I have tried to read some wills around this period and found them very difficult, but there is advice on the 2 sites.
Good Luck
Carolyn Jacob, Merthyr Libraries- Answered By:
- Merthyr Tydfil, Central Reference Library
