Genealogy Chat

After 1858 you need to search the National Probate Calender which is available on fiche/film at record offices and probably some large libraries. The calender is alphabetical for each year and the majority of wills are proved within a year or two of the death (though a small percentage take decades!) Before 1858 wills are all over the place. A percentage were proved via the Prerogative Court of Canterbury (PCC)....these are available to purchase online via the National Archives website. The PCC wills generally don't cover the north of England. Other wills, proved through different courts, may be held at the local CRO to the place of death. Merry

I've never done this before and I'd like an idiot proof guide on how to go about it (despite my previous posting I'm still lost!) For example if I give you a name & what I know could you tell me how to see if this chap made a will & how I could get to see it? Charles Baker -christened 11/04/1812 Holt, Norfolk (igi submitted) -married 1841 Q3 St James, Westminster, to Jane Lambourne had 5 children, Jane died in 1875 -married again 1877 Q3 'Erpingham' to Emily Drozier/Drosier had 3 more children (& hers from a previous marriage to William Cooke -died 1889 Q2 'Erpingham' (reg dist for Holt & Thornage) in all census's he was an Ironmonger 1881 living at 'The Red House', Thornage Do I have enough to go on? any replies appreciated... Sarah :-)

see posting 11