Bedfordshire Probate Records: Difference between revisions

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{{Bedfordshire-sidebar}}{{breadcrumb
For an explanation of probate records in England, click [[England Probate Records|here]].
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| link2=[[Bedfordshire, England Genealogy|Bedfordshire]]
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| link5=[[Bedfordshire_Probate_ Records|Probate Records]]
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== Getting Started  ==
Return to the [[Bedfordshire|Bedfordshire]] County page.


''Probate'' is the legal court process by which the estate of a deceased person is distributed to his or her heirs. Probate records include [[W genealogical glossary terms|wills]] and [[A genealogical glossary terms|administrations]]. This article is about probate records in Bedfordshire. See [[England Probate Records]] for a general description of probate records in England.
=== Probate Jurisdictions  ===


=== 1858 to the Present  ===
Below is a list of Bedfordshire parishes beginning with A through H, with the courts that had jurisdiction over them. 


Beginning in 1858, the [[Principal Probate Registry|Principal Probate Registry]] had the authority for probating estates. Click on the link to learn more.
Click [[Bedfordshire Probate, Parishes I-Z|here]] to see the list for Bedfordshire&nbsp;parishes&nbsp;beginning with I through Z. <br>


==== Online Records ====
<br>
 
{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5" width="95%" align="center" border="1"
|-
! style="background: #ffdead" width="15%" | PARISH
! style="background: #ffdead" width="40%" | PRIMARY COURT
! style="background: #ffdead" width="40%" | SECONDARY COURTS - IN SEARCH ORDER
|-
| Ampthill
| Court of the Archdeaconry of Bedford
| 2 - Pre-1837: Court of the Bishop of Lincoln (Episcopal Consistory)
2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)
 
3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
 
|-
| Arlesey
| Court of the Archdeaconry of Bedford
| 2 - Pre-1837: Court of the Bishop of Lincoln (Episcopal Consistory)
2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)
 
3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
 
|-
| Aspley Guise
| Court of the Archdeaconry of Bedford
| 2 - Pre-1837: Court of the Bishop of Lincoln (Episcopal Consistory)
2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)
 
3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
 
|-
| Astwick
| Court of the Archdeaconry of Bedford
| 2 - Pre-1837: Court of the Bishop of Lincoln (Episcopal Consistory)
2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)
 
3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
 
|-
| Barford, Great
| Court of the Archdeaconry of Bedford
| 2 - Pre-1837: Court of the Bishop of Lincoln (Episcopal Consistory)
2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)
 
3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
 
|-
| Barford, Little
| Court of the Archdeaconry of Bedford
| 2 - Pre-1837: Court of the Bishop of Lincoln (Episcopal Consistory)
2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)
 
3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
 
|-
| Barton-le-Cley
| Court of the Archdeaconry of Bedford
| 2 - Pre-1837: Court of the Bishop of Lincoln (Episcopal Consistory)
2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)
 
3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
 
|-
| Battlesden
| Court of the Archdeaconry of Bedford
| 2 - Pre-1837: Court of the Bishop of Lincoln (Episcopal Consistory)
2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)


*'''1858-1957''' {{RecordSearch|2451051|England and Wales, National Index of Wills and Administrations, 1858-1957}} at FamilySearch; index — [[England and Wales, National Index of Wills and Administrations - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]
3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury


=== Before 1858  ===
|-
| Bedford Holy Trinity
| Court of the Archdeaconry of Bedford
| 2 - Pre-1837: Court of the Bishop of Lincoln (Episcopal Consistory)
2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)


Before 1858, Church of England ecclesiastical courts had authority for this process. To search for a pre-1858 probate record in Bedfordshire, follow these steps:
3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury


==== Step 1. Search Indexes  ====
|-
| Bedford St Cuthbert
| Court of the Archdeaconry of Bedford
| 2 - Pre-1837: Court of the Bishop of Lincoln (Episcopal Consistory)
2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)


Here are some online indexes to probate records that include individuals who lived in Bedfordshire. Before searching the iindexes that cover a particular court, you might want to determine the court a will for your ancestor would be proved in.  Step 3 can help you determine the court. Search these indexes first:
3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury


*[https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/help-with-your-research/research-guides/wills-or-administrations-before-1858/ Prerogative Court of Canterbury wills (1384 - 1858)]
|-
*Index of Bedfordshire probate records, 1484-1858 This includes {{FSC|703748|title-id|disp=indexes}} for the Court of the Archdeacon of Bedford, the Peculiar Court of Biggleswade and the Peculiar Court of Leighton Buzzard. Digital version at [http://www.findmypast.co.uk/ National Wills Index] ($)
| Bedford St John
*Court of the Archdeaconry of Bedfordshire. FS Library films {{FSC|221664|title-id|disp=88007-88009}}
| Court of the Archdeaconry of Bedford  
*{{FSC|116542|title-id|disp=English wills, 1498-1526}} which are transcribed and many from the Archdeacon of Bedford  
| 2 - Pre-1837: Court of the Bishop of Lincoln (Episcopal Consistory)
*Bedfordshire wills, {{FSC|79682|title-id|disp=1480-1519}}
2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)
*The Peculiar Court of Leighton Buzzard : persons named in wills proved {{FSC|1474249|title-id|disp=1701-1846}}
*Index of Bedfordshire probate records,{{FSC|703748|title-id|disp=1484-1858}} The Peculiar Court of Leighton Buzzard
*Wills and administrations, 1624-1858 See FS Library fims {{FSC|291040|title-id|disp=95109 and 95100}}
*Prebendal Court (Leighton-Buzzard) {{FSC|252871|title-id|disp=Probate records, 1537-1842 Index 1736-1846}}
*{{FSC|4791|title-id|disp=Index}} to records of Lincoln Peculiar Courts with Peculiar of Biggleswade
*Probate records for the Commissary Court of Lincoln for the Archdeaconry of Huntingdon, {{FSC|374857|title-id|disp=1559-1857, 1559-1857}} The Act books contain some Admon Grants from the Peculiar Court of Biggleswade
*Some transcripts of Bedfordshire Wills at Lambeth and Lincoln {{FSC|124544|title-id|disp=1387-1570 v. 14}}
*Bedfordshire wills {{FSC|132268|title-id|disp=1601-1652}} at probate registry Lincoln, England, all name index
*Everton and Swineshead parishes have some references in the following court record Probate records for the Commissary Court of Lincoln for the Archdeaconry of Huntingdon, {{FSC|374857|title-id|disp=1559-1857, 1559-1857 }}<br>


Did you find a reference to a probate record?
3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury


*If ''yes'', go to '''Step 4''' below.
|-
*If ''no'', go to '''Step 2''' below.
| Bedford St Mary
| Court of the Archdeaconry of Bedford
| 2 - Pre-1837: Court of the Bishop of Lincoln (Episcopal Consistory)
2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)


==== Step 2. Identify when and where your ancestor died  ====
3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury


Determine ''when'' your ancestor died. If you aren't sure, use an approximate date. 
|-
| Bedford St Paul
| Court of the Archdeaconry of Bedford
| 2 - Pre-1837: Court of the Bishop of Lincoln (Episcopal Consistory)
2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)


Determine ''where'' your ancestor died. It is easier to find a probate record if you know whether the place where your ancestor lived or died is a [[P genealogical glossary terms|parish]]. To learn whether it is a parish, look it up in a gazetteer. Here is a link to the 1872 ''Imperial Gazetteer of England and Wales'' online:
3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury


*[https://www.visionofbritain.org.uk/descriptions/index.jsp Vision of Britain]
|-
| Bedford St Peter
| Court of the Archdeaconry of Bedford
| 2 - Pre-1837: Court of the Bishop of Lincoln (Episcopal Consistory)
2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)


The gazetteer will either tell you:
3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury


*A place is a parish, or
|-
*What parish it is a part of, or
| Biddenham
*What place it is near.
| Court of the Archdeaconry of Bedford
| 2 - Pre-1837: Court of the Bishop of Lincoln (Episcopal Consistory)
2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)


If the latter, look that place up in the gazetteer and see if it is a parish.
3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury


Once you have identified the parish, go to '''Step 3'''.
|-
| Biggleswade
| Court of the Peculiar of Biggleswade
| 2 - Court of the Peculiar of the Dean and Chapter of Lincoln
3 - Court of the Bishop of Lincoln (Episcopal Consistory)


==== Step 3. Identify court jurisdictions by parish  ====
4 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury


==== Majority of the County  ====
|-
| Billington
| Court of the Peculiar of Leighton Buzzard
| 2 - Court of the Peculiar of Aylesbury
3 - Court of the Peculiar of the Dean and Chapter of Lincoln


Before 1858, every town and parish in Bedfordshire was under the probate jurisdiction of a primary court and several secondary courts.  The court that had primary jurisdiction over most of Bedfordshire, with just six exceptions (see below), was the [[Court of the Archdeacon of Bedford|Court of the Archdeaconry of Bedford]].  Here's a list of further possible probate court jurisdictions:<br>
4 - Court of the Bishop of Lincoln (Episcopal Consistory)  


*Index of Bedfordshire probate records, 1484-1858 This includes {{FSC|703748|title-id|disp=indexes}} for the Court of the Archdeacon of Bedford, the Peculiar Court of Biggleswade and the Peculiar Court of Leighton Buzzard. Digital version at [http://www.findmypast.co.uk/ National Wills Index] ($)
5 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
*Court of the Archdeaconry of Bedfordshire. FS Library films {{FSC|221664|title-id|disp=88007-88009}}
*{{FSC|116542|title-id|disp=English wills, 1498-1526}} which are transcribed and many from the Archdeacon of Bedford
*Bedfordshire wills, {{FSC|79682|title-id|disp=1480-1519}}
*The Peculiar Court of Leighton Buzzard : persons named in wills proved {{FSC|1474249|title-id|disp=1701-1846}}
*Index of Bedfordshire probate records,{{FSC|703748|title-id|disp=1484-1858}} The Peculiar Court of Leighton Buzzard
*Wills and administrations, Aylesbury Peculiar Court, 1624-1858 See FS Library fims {{FSC|291040|title-id|disp=95109 and 95100}}
*Prebendal Court (Leighton-Buzzard) {{FSC|252871|title-id|disp=Probate records, 1537-1842 Index 1736-1846}}
*{{FSC|4791|title-id|disp=Index}} to records of Lincoln Peculiar Courts with Peculiar of Biggleswade
*Probate records for the Commissary Court of Lincoln for the Archdeaconry of Huntingdon, {{FSC|374857|title-id|disp=1559-1857, 1559-1857}} The Act books contain some Admon Grants from the Peculiar Court of Biggleswade
*Some transcripts of Bedfordshire Wills at Lambeth and Lincoln {{FSC|124544|title-id|disp=1387-1570 v. 14}}
*Bedfordshire wills {{FSC|132268|title-id|disp=1601-1652}} at probate registry Lincoln, England, all name index
*Everton and Swineshead parishes have some references in the following court record Probate records for the Commissary Court of Lincoln for the Archdeaconry of Huntingdon, {{FSC|374857|title-id|disp=1559-1857, 1559-1857 }}<br>
*[https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/help-with-your-research/research-guides/wills-or-administrations-before-1858/ Prerogative Court of Canterbury wills (1384 - 1858)]


==== Exceptions  ====
|-
| Bletsoe
| Court of the Archdeaconry of Bedford
| 2 - Pre-1837: Court of the Bishop of Lincoln (Episcopal Consistory)
2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)


There were six Bedfordshire parishes that were exceptions to this--Biggleswade, Billington, Eggington, Heath and Rich, Leighton Buzzard, and Stanbridge. To see the pre-1858 courts that had probate jurisdiction over these parishes, click [[Bedfordshire Probate Court Jurisdictions|here]]. <br>
3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury


==== Step 4. Obtain a copy of the probate record  ====
|-
| Blunham
| Court of the Archdeaconry of Bedford
| 2 - Pre-1837: Court of the Bishop of Lincoln (Episcopal Consistory)
2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)


Once you have found an index reference to a probate, obtain a copy of the record. Do so by one of these methods:
3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury


*{{FSC|England, Bedfordshire - Probate records|subject|subject-id=2138059186|disp=Bedfordshire England Probate Records}}(*) at FamilySearch Catalog - some images may only be available at a [https://www.familysearch.org/centers/locations/ FamilySearch Center or FamilySearch Affiliate Library.]<br>
|-
*Visit or contact the record office that has the original records in its collection.
| Bolnhurst
<br>
| Court of the Archdeaconry of Bedford
| 2 - Pre-1837: Court of the Bishop of Lincoln (Episcopal Consistory)
2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)
 
3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
 
|-
| Bromham
| Court of the Archdeaconry of Bedford
| 2 - Pre-1837: Court of the Bishop of Lincoln (Episcopal Consistory)
2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)
 
3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
 
|-
| Caddington
| Court of the Archdeaconry of Bedford
| 2 - Pre-1837: Court of the Bishop of Lincoln (Episcopal Consistory)
2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)
 
3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
 
|-
| Campton
| Court of the Archdeaconry of Bedford
| 2 - Pre-1837: Court of the Bishop of Lincoln (Episcopal Consistory)
2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)
 
3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
 
|-
| Cardington
| Court of the Archdeaconry of Bedford
| 2 - Pre-1837: Court of the Bishop of Lincoln (Episcopal Consistory)
2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)
 
3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
 
|-
| Carlton
| Court of the Archdeaconry of Bedford
| 2 - Pre-1837: Court of the Bishop of Lincoln (Episcopal Consistory)
2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)
 
3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
 
|-
| Chalgrave
| Court of the Archdeaconry of Bedford
| 2 - Pre-1837: Court of the Bishop of Lincoln (Episcopal Consistory)
2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)
 
3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
 
|-
| Chellington
| Court of the Archdeaconry of Bedford
| 2 - Pre-1837: Court of the Bishop of Lincoln (Episcopal Consistory)  
2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)
 
3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
 
|-
| Chicksands
| Search the courts of the surrounding parishes
| .
|-
| Clapham
| Court of the Archdeaconry of Bedford
| 2 - Pre-1837: Court of the Bishop of Lincoln (Episcopal Consistory)
2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)
 
3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
 
|-
| Clifton
| Court of the Archdeaconry of Bedford
| 2 - Pre-1837: Court of the Bishop of Lincoln (Episcopal Consistory)
2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)
 
3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
 
|-
| Clophill
| Court of the Archdeaconry of Bedford
| 2 - Pre-1837: Court of the Bishop of Lincoln (Episcopal Consistory)
2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)
 
3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
 
|-
| Colmworth
| Court of the Archdeaconry of Bedford
| 2 - Pre-1837: Court of the Bishop of Lincoln (Episcopal Consistory)
2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)
 
3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
 
|-
| Colworth Farm
| Search the courts of the surrounding parishes
| .
|-
| Cople
| Court of the Archdeaconry of Bedford
| 2 - Pre-1837: Court of the Bishop of Lincoln (Episcopal Consistory)
2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)
 
3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
 
|-
| Cranfield
| Court of the Archdeaconry of Bedford
| 2 - Pre-1837: Court of the Bishop of Lincoln (Episcopal Consistory)
2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)
 
3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
 
|-
| Dean
| Court of the Archdeaconry of Bedford
| 2 - Pre-1837: Court of the Bishop of Lincoln (Episcopal Consistory)
2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)
 
3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
 
|-
| Dunstable
| Court of the Archdeaconry of Bedford
| 2 - Pre-1837: Court of the Bishop of Lincoln (Episcopal Consistory)
2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)
 
3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
 
|-
| Dunton
| Court of the Archdeaconry of Bedford
| 2 - Pre-1837: Court of the Bishop of Lincoln (Episcopal Consistory)
2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)
 
3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
 
|-
| Eaton Bray
| Court of the Archdeaconry of Bedford
| 2 - Pre-1837: Court of the Bishop of Lincoln (Episcopal Consistory)
2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)
 
3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
 
|-
| Eaton Socon
| Court of the Archdeaconry of Bedford
| 2 - Pre-1837: Court of the Bishop of Lincoln (Episcopal Consistory)
2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)
 
3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
 
|-
| Edworth
| Court of the Archdeaconry of Bedford
| 2 - Pre-1837: Court of the Bishop of Lincoln (Episcopal Consistory)
2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)
 
3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
 
|-
| Eggington
| Court of the Peculiar of Leighton Buzzard
| 2 - Court of the Peculiar of Aylesbury
3 - Court of the Peculiar of the Dean and Chapter of Lincoln
 
4 - Court of the Bishop of Lincoln (Episcopal Consistory)
 
5 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
 
|-
| Elstow
| Court of the Archdeaconry of Bedford
| 2 - Pre-1837: Court of the Bishop of Lincoln (Episcopal Consistory)
2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)
 
3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
 
|-
| Eversholt
| Court of the Archdeaconry of Bedford
| 2 - Pre-1837: Court of the Bishop of Lincoln (Episcopal Consistory)
2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)
 
3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
 
|-
| Eyeworth
| Court of the Archdeaconry of Bedford
| 2 - Pre-1837: Court of the Bishop of Lincoln (Episcopal Consistory)
2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)
 
3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
 
|-
| Farndish
| Court of the Archdeaconry of Bedford
| 2 - Pre-1837: Court of the Bishop of Lincoln (Episcopal Consistory)
2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)
 
3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
 
|-
| Felmersham
| Court of the Archdeaconry of Bedford
| 2 - Pre-1837: Court of the Bishop of Lincoln (Episcopal Consistory)
2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)
 
3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
 
|-
| Flitton
| Court of the Archdeaconry of Bedford
| 2 - Pre-1837: Court of the Bishop of Lincoln (Episcopal Consistory)
2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)
 
3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
 
|-
| Flitwick
| Court of the Archdeaconry of Bedford
| 2 - Pre-1837: Court of the Bishop of Lincoln (Episcopal Consistory)
2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)
 
3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
 
|-
| Goldington
| Court of the Archdeaconry of Bedford
| 2 - Pre-1837: Court of the Bishop of Lincoln (Episcopal Consistory)
2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)
 
3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
 
|-
| Gravenhurst, Lower
| Court of the Archdeaconry of Bedford
| 2 - Pre-1837: Court of the Bishop of Lincoln (Episcopal Consistory)
2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)
 
3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
 
|-
| Gravenhurst, Upper
| Court of the Archdeaconry of Bedford
| 2 - Pre-1837: Court of the Bishop of Lincoln (Episcopal Consistory)
2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)
 
3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
 
|-
| Harlington
| Court of the Archdeaconry of Bedford
| 2 - Pre-1837: Court of the Bishop of Lincoln (Episcopal Consistory)
2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)
 
3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
 
|-
| Harrold
| Court of the Archdeaconry of Bedford
| 2 - Pre-1837: Court of the Bishop of Lincoln (Episcopal Consistory)
2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)
 
3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
 
|-
| Hatley, Cockayne
| Court of the Archdeaconry of Bedford
| 2 - Pre-1837: Court of the Bishop of Lincoln (Episcopal Consistory)
2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)
 
3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
 
|-
| Haynes
| Court of the Archdeaconry of Bedford
| 2 - Pre-1837: Court of the Bishop of Lincoln (Episcopal Consistory)
2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)
 
3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
 
|-
| Heath and Reach
| Court of the Peculiar of Leighton Buzzard
| 2 - Court of the Peculiar of Aylesbury
3 - Court of the Peculiar of the Dean and Chapter of Lincoln
 
4 - Court of the Bishop of Lincoln (Episcopal Consistory)
 
5 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
 
|-
| Henlow
| Court of the Archdeaconry of Bedford
| 2 - Pre-1837: Court of the Bishop of Lincoln (Episcopal Consistory)
2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)
 
3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
 
|-
| Higham Gobion
| Court of the Archdeaconry of Bedford
| 2 - Pre-1837: Court of the Bishop of Lincoln (Episcopal Consistory)
2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)
 
3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
 
|-
| Hockliffe
| Court of the Archdeaconry of Bedford
| 2 - Pre-1837: Court of the Bishop of Lincoln (Episcopal Consistory)
2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)
 
3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
 
|-
| Holwell
| Court of the Archdeaconry of Bedford
| 2 - Pre-1837: Court of the Bishop of Lincoln (Episcopal Consistory)
2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)
 
3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
 
|-
| Houghton Conquest
| Court of the Archdeaconry of Bedford
| 2 - Pre-1837: Court of the Bishop of Lincoln (Episcopal Consistory)
2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)
 
3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
 
|-
| Houghton Regis
| Court of the Archdeaconry of Bedford
| 2 - Pre-1837: Court of the Bishop of Lincoln (Episcopal Consistory)
2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)


== Bedfordshire Probate Courts  ==
3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury


Most of Bedfordshire was under the pre-1858 probate jurisdiction of the [[Court of the Archdeacon of Bedford|Court of the Archdeaconry of Bedford]]. The majority of probate searches will be in the records of this court and its superior courts, which were the [[Court of the Bishop of Lincoln (Episcopal Consistory)]] before 1837, and the [[Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)]] starting in 1837.  The courts should be searched in that order.  The [[Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury]] (and the appeals courts if necessary) should be searched last.
|-
| Hulcote with Salford
| Court of the Archdeaconry of Bedford  
| 2 - Pre-1837: Court of the Bishop of Lincoln (Episcopal Consistory)  
2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)  


However, the following courts also had some pre-1858 jurisdiction over certain parishes within the county. Click on a court name below to learn about the parishes they cover and their records and indexes.
3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury


*[[Court of the Peculiar of the Dean and Chapter of Lincoln|Court of the Peculiar of the Dean and Chapter of Lincoln]]
|-
*[[Court of the Peculiar of Aylesbury|Court of the Peculiar of Aylesbury]]
| Husborne Crawley
*[[Court of the Peculiar of Biggleswade|Court of the Peculiar of Biggleswade]]
| Court of the Archdeaconry of Bedford
*[[Court of the Peculiar of Leighton Buzzard|Court of the Peculiar of Leighton Buzzard]]<br>
| 2 - Pre-1837: Court of the Bishop of Lincoln (Episcopal Consistory)
2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)


{{Place|Bedfordshire|Probate}} {{England Probate Records}}
3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury


[[Category:Bedfordshire Probate Records]]
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Revision as of 12:08, 16 March 2009

For an explanation of probate records in England, click here.

Return to the Bedfordshire County page.

Probate Jurisdictions[edit | edit source]

Below is a list of Bedfordshire parishes beginning with A through H, with the courts that had jurisdiction over them. 

Click here to see the list for Bedfordshire parishes beginning with I through Z.


PARISH PRIMARY COURT SECONDARY COURTS - IN SEARCH ORDER
Ampthill Court of the Archdeaconry of Bedford 2 - Pre-1837: Court of the Bishop of Lincoln (Episcopal Consistory)

2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)

3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury

Arlesey Court of the Archdeaconry of Bedford 2 - Pre-1837: Court of the Bishop of Lincoln (Episcopal Consistory)

2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)

3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury

Aspley Guise Court of the Archdeaconry of Bedford 2 - Pre-1837: Court of the Bishop of Lincoln (Episcopal Consistory)

2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)

3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury

Astwick Court of the Archdeaconry of Bedford 2 - Pre-1837: Court of the Bishop of Lincoln (Episcopal Consistory)

2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)

3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury

Barford, Great Court of the Archdeaconry of Bedford 2 - Pre-1837: Court of the Bishop of Lincoln (Episcopal Consistory)

2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)

3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury

Barford, Little Court of the Archdeaconry of Bedford 2 - Pre-1837: Court of the Bishop of Lincoln (Episcopal Consistory)

2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)

3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury

Barton-le-Cley Court of the Archdeaconry of Bedford 2 - Pre-1837: Court of the Bishop of Lincoln (Episcopal Consistory)

2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)

3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury

Battlesden Court of the Archdeaconry of Bedford 2 - Pre-1837: Court of the Bishop of Lincoln (Episcopal Consistory)

2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)

3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury

Bedford Holy Trinity Court of the Archdeaconry of Bedford 2 - Pre-1837: Court of the Bishop of Lincoln (Episcopal Consistory)

2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)

3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury

Bedford St Cuthbert Court of the Archdeaconry of Bedford 2 - Pre-1837: Court of the Bishop of Lincoln (Episcopal Consistory)

2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)

3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury

Bedford St John Court of the Archdeaconry of Bedford 2 - Pre-1837: Court of the Bishop of Lincoln (Episcopal Consistory)

2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)

3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury

Bedford St Mary Court of the Archdeaconry of Bedford 2 - Pre-1837: Court of the Bishop of Lincoln (Episcopal Consistory)

2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)

3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury

Bedford St Paul Court of the Archdeaconry of Bedford 2 - Pre-1837: Court of the Bishop of Lincoln (Episcopal Consistory)

2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)

3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury

Bedford St Peter Court of the Archdeaconry of Bedford 2 - Pre-1837: Court of the Bishop of Lincoln (Episcopal Consistory)

2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)

3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury

Biddenham Court of the Archdeaconry of Bedford 2 - Pre-1837: Court of the Bishop of Lincoln (Episcopal Consistory)

2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)

3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury

Biggleswade Court of the Peculiar of Biggleswade 2 - Court of the Peculiar of the Dean and Chapter of Lincoln

3 - Court of the Bishop of Lincoln (Episcopal Consistory)

4 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury

Billington Court of the Peculiar of Leighton Buzzard 2 - Court of the Peculiar of Aylesbury

3 - Court of the Peculiar of the Dean and Chapter of Lincoln

4 - Court of the Bishop of Lincoln (Episcopal Consistory)

5 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury

Bletsoe Court of the Archdeaconry of Bedford 2 - Pre-1837: Court of the Bishop of Lincoln (Episcopal Consistory)

2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)

3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury

Blunham Court of the Archdeaconry of Bedford 2 - Pre-1837: Court of the Bishop of Lincoln (Episcopal Consistory)

2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)

3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury

Bolnhurst Court of the Archdeaconry of Bedford 2 - Pre-1837: Court of the Bishop of Lincoln (Episcopal Consistory)

2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)

3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury

Bromham Court of the Archdeaconry of Bedford 2 - Pre-1837: Court of the Bishop of Lincoln (Episcopal Consistory)

2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)

3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury

Caddington Court of the Archdeaconry of Bedford 2 - Pre-1837: Court of the Bishop of Lincoln (Episcopal Consistory)

2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)

3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury

Campton Court of the Archdeaconry of Bedford 2 - Pre-1837: Court of the Bishop of Lincoln (Episcopal Consistory)

2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)

3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury

Cardington Court of the Archdeaconry of Bedford 2 - Pre-1837: Court of the Bishop of Lincoln (Episcopal Consistory)

2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)

3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury

Carlton Court of the Archdeaconry of Bedford 2 - Pre-1837: Court of the Bishop of Lincoln (Episcopal Consistory)

2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)

3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury

Chalgrave Court of the Archdeaconry of Bedford 2 - Pre-1837: Court of the Bishop of Lincoln (Episcopal Consistory)

2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)

3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury

Chellington Court of the Archdeaconry of Bedford 2 - Pre-1837: Court of the Bishop of Lincoln (Episcopal Consistory)

2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)

3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury

Chicksands Search the courts of the surrounding parishes .
Clapham Court of the Archdeaconry of Bedford 2 - Pre-1837: Court of the Bishop of Lincoln (Episcopal Consistory)

2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)

3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury

Clifton Court of the Archdeaconry of Bedford 2 - Pre-1837: Court of the Bishop of Lincoln (Episcopal Consistory)

2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)

3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury

Clophill Court of the Archdeaconry of Bedford 2 - Pre-1837: Court of the Bishop of Lincoln (Episcopal Consistory)

2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)

3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury

Colmworth Court of the Archdeaconry of Bedford 2 - Pre-1837: Court of the Bishop of Lincoln (Episcopal Consistory)

2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)

3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury

Colworth Farm Search the courts of the surrounding parishes .
Cople Court of the Archdeaconry of Bedford 2 - Pre-1837: Court of the Bishop of Lincoln (Episcopal Consistory)

2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)

3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury

Cranfield Court of the Archdeaconry of Bedford 2 - Pre-1837: Court of the Bishop of Lincoln (Episcopal Consistory)

2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)

3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury

Dean Court of the Archdeaconry of Bedford 2 - Pre-1837: Court of the Bishop of Lincoln (Episcopal Consistory)

2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)

3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury

Dunstable Court of the Archdeaconry of Bedford 2 - Pre-1837: Court of the Bishop of Lincoln (Episcopal Consistory)

2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)

3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury

Dunton Court of the Archdeaconry of Bedford 2 - Pre-1837: Court of the Bishop of Lincoln (Episcopal Consistory)

2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)

3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury

Eaton Bray Court of the Archdeaconry of Bedford 2 - Pre-1837: Court of the Bishop of Lincoln (Episcopal Consistory)

2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)

3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury

Eaton Socon Court of the Archdeaconry of Bedford 2 - Pre-1837: Court of the Bishop of Lincoln (Episcopal Consistory)

2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)

3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury

Edworth Court of the Archdeaconry of Bedford 2 - Pre-1837: Court of the Bishop of Lincoln (Episcopal Consistory)

2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)

3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury

Eggington Court of the Peculiar of Leighton Buzzard 2 - Court of the Peculiar of Aylesbury

3 - Court of the Peculiar of the Dean and Chapter of Lincoln

4 - Court of the Bishop of Lincoln (Episcopal Consistory)

5 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury

Elstow Court of the Archdeaconry of Bedford 2 - Pre-1837: Court of the Bishop of Lincoln (Episcopal Consistory)

2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)

3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury

Eversholt Court of the Archdeaconry of Bedford 2 - Pre-1837: Court of the Bishop of Lincoln (Episcopal Consistory)

2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)

3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury

Eyeworth Court of the Archdeaconry of Bedford 2 - Pre-1837: Court of the Bishop of Lincoln (Episcopal Consistory)

2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)

3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury

Farndish Court of the Archdeaconry of Bedford 2 - Pre-1837: Court of the Bishop of Lincoln (Episcopal Consistory)

2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)

3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury

Felmersham Court of the Archdeaconry of Bedford 2 - Pre-1837: Court of the Bishop of Lincoln (Episcopal Consistory)

2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)

3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury

Flitton Court of the Archdeaconry of Bedford 2 - Pre-1837: Court of the Bishop of Lincoln (Episcopal Consistory)

2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)

3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury

Flitwick Court of the Archdeaconry of Bedford 2 - Pre-1837: Court of the Bishop of Lincoln (Episcopal Consistory)

2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)

3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury

Goldington Court of the Archdeaconry of Bedford 2 - Pre-1837: Court of the Bishop of Lincoln (Episcopal Consistory)

2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)

3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury

Gravenhurst, Lower Court of the Archdeaconry of Bedford 2 - Pre-1837: Court of the Bishop of Lincoln (Episcopal Consistory)

2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)

3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury

Gravenhurst, Upper Court of the Archdeaconry of Bedford 2 - Pre-1837: Court of the Bishop of Lincoln (Episcopal Consistory)

2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)

3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury

Harlington Court of the Archdeaconry of Bedford 2 - Pre-1837: Court of the Bishop of Lincoln (Episcopal Consistory)

2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)

3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury

Harrold Court of the Archdeaconry of Bedford 2 - Pre-1837: Court of the Bishop of Lincoln (Episcopal Consistory)

2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)

3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury

Hatley, Cockayne Court of the Archdeaconry of Bedford 2 - Pre-1837: Court of the Bishop of Lincoln (Episcopal Consistory)

2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)

3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury

Haynes Court of the Archdeaconry of Bedford 2 - Pre-1837: Court of the Bishop of Lincoln (Episcopal Consistory)

2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)

3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury

Heath and Reach Court of the Peculiar of Leighton Buzzard 2 - Court of the Peculiar of Aylesbury

3 - Court of the Peculiar of the Dean and Chapter of Lincoln

4 - Court of the Bishop of Lincoln (Episcopal Consistory)

5 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury

Henlow Court of the Archdeaconry of Bedford 2 - Pre-1837: Court of the Bishop of Lincoln (Episcopal Consistory)

2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)

3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury

Higham Gobion Court of the Archdeaconry of Bedford 2 - Pre-1837: Court of the Bishop of Lincoln (Episcopal Consistory)

2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)

3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury

Hockliffe Court of the Archdeaconry of Bedford 2 - Pre-1837: Court of the Bishop of Lincoln (Episcopal Consistory)

2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)

3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury

Holwell Court of the Archdeaconry of Bedford 2 - Pre-1837: Court of the Bishop of Lincoln (Episcopal Consistory)

2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)

3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury

Houghton Conquest Court of the Archdeaconry of Bedford 2 - Pre-1837: Court of the Bishop of Lincoln (Episcopal Consistory)

2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)

3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury

Houghton Regis Court of the Archdeaconry of Bedford 2 - Pre-1837: Court of the Bishop of Lincoln (Episcopal Consistory)

2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)

3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury

Hulcote with Salford Court of the Archdeaconry of Bedford 2 - Pre-1837: Court of the Bishop of Lincoln (Episcopal Consistory)

2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)

3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury

Husborne Crawley Court of the Archdeaconry of Bedford 2 - Pre-1837: Court of the Bishop of Lincoln (Episcopal Consistory)

2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)

3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury

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