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.
=== Bedfordshire Probate Courts  ===


=== 1858 to the Present  ===
The following courts had some jurisdiction over Bedfordshire before 1858:


Beginning in 1858, the [[Principal Probate Registry|Principal Probate Registry]] had the authority for probating estates. Click on the link to learn more.
*[[Court of the Archdeacon of Bedford|Court of the Archdeacon of Bedford]]
*[[Court of the Bishop of Lincoln|Court of the Bishop of Lincoln]] (Episcopal Consistory)
*[[Court of the Bishop of Ely|Court of the Bishop of Ely]] (Episcopal Consistory)
*[[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]]
*[[Court of the Peculiar of Biggleswade|Court of the Peculiar of Biggleswade]]
*[[Court of the Peculiar of Leighton Buzzard|Court of the Peculiar of Leighton Buzzard]]  
*Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
 
=== Court Jurisdictions  ===
 
The majority of parishes in Bedfordshire were under the primary jurisdiction of the Court of the Archdeacon of Bedford.  A total of  parishes covered by the two peculiar courts listed above.  
 
{| 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
2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely
 
3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
 
|-
| Arlesey
| Court of the Archdeaconry of Bedford
| 2 - Pre-1837: Court of the Bishop of Lincoln
2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely
 
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
2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely
 
3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
 
|-
| Astwick
| Court of the Archdeaconry of Bedford
| 2 - Pre-1837: Court of the Bishop of Lincoln
2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely
 
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
2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely
 
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
2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely
 
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
2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely
 
3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
 
|-
| Battlesden
| Court of the Archdeaconry of Bedford
| 2 - Pre-1837: Court of the Bishop of Lincoln
2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely
 
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
2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely
 
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
2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely
 
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
2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely
 
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
2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely


==== Online Records ====
3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury


*'''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]]
|-
| Bedford St Paul
| Court of the Archdeaconry of Bedford
| 2 - Pre-1837: Court of the Bishop of Lincoln
2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely


=== Before 1858  ===
3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury


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:  
|-
| Bedford St Peter
| Court of the Archdeaconry of Bedford
| 2 - Pre-1837: Court of the Bishop of Lincoln
2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely


==== Step 1. Search Indexes  ====
3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury


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:
|-
| Biddenham
| Court of the Archdeaconry of Bedford
| 2 - Pre-1837: Court of the Bishop of Lincoln
2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely


*[https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/help-with-your-research/research-guides/wills-or-administrations-before-1858/ Prerogative Court of Canterbury wills (1384 - 1858)]
3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
*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] ($)
*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, 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?
|-
| 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


*If ''yes'', go to '''Step 4''' below.
4 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
*If ''no'', go to '''Step 2''' below.


==== Step 2. Identify when and where your ancestor died  ====
|-
| 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


Determine ''when'' your ancestor died. If you aren't sure, use an approximate date. 
4 - Court of the Bishop of Lincoln&nbsp;


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:
5 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury


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


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
| Blunham
*What place it is near.
| Court of the Archdeaconry of Bedford
| 2 - Pre-1837: Court of the Bishop of Lincoln
2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely


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'''.
|-
| Bolnhurst
| Court of the Archdeaconry of Bedford
| 2 - Pre-1837: Court of the Bishop of Lincoln
2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely


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


==== Majority of the County  ====
|-
| Bromham
| Court of the Archdeaconry of Bedford
| 2 - Pre-1837: Court of the Bishop of Lincoln
2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely


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>
3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury


*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] ($)
|-
*Court of the Archdeaconry of Bedfordshire. FS Library films {{FSC|221664|title-id|disp=88007-88009}}
| Caddington
*{{FSC|116542|title-id|disp=English wills, 1498-1526}} which are transcribed and many from the Archdeacon of Bedford  
| Court of the Archdeaconry of Bedford  
*Bedfordshire wills, {{FSC|79682|title-id|disp=1480-1519}}
| 2 - Pre-1837: Court of the Bishop of Lincoln  
*The Peculiar Court of Leighton Buzzard : persons named in wills proved {{FSC|1474249|title-id|disp=1701-1846}}
2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely
*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  ====
3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury


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>
|-
| Campton
| Court of the Archdeaconry of Bedford
| 2 - Pre-1837: Court of the Bishop of Lincoln
2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely


==== Step 4. Obtain a copy of the probate record  ====
3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury


Once you have found an index reference to a probate, obtain a copy of the record. Do so by one of these methods:  
|-
| Cardington
| Court of the Archdeaconry of Bedford
| 2 - Pre-1837: Court of the Bishop of Lincoln
2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely


*{{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>
3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
*Visit or contact the record office that has the original records in its collection.
<br>


== Bedfordshire Probate Courts  ==
|-
| Carlton
| Court of the Archdeaconry of Bedford
| 2 - Pre-1837: Court of the Bishop of Lincoln
2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely


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.
3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury


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.
|-
| Chalgrave
| Court of the Archdeaconry of Bedford
| 2 - Pre-1837: Court of the Bishop of Lincoln
2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely


*[[Court of the Peculiar of the Dean and Chapter of Lincoln|Court of the Peculiar of the Dean and Chapter of Lincoln]]
3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
*[[Court of the Peculiar of Aylesbury|Court of the Peculiar of Aylesbury]]
 
*[[Court of the Peculiar of Biggleswade|Court of the Peculiar of Biggleswade]]
|-
*[[Court of the Peculiar of Leighton Buzzard|Court of the Peculiar of Leighton Buzzard]]<br>
| Chellington
| Court of the Archdeaconry of Bedford
| 2 - Pre-1837: Court of the Bishop of Lincoln
2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely
 
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
2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely
 
3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
 
|-
| Clifton
| Court of the Archdeaconry of Bedford
| 2 - Pre-1837: Court of the Bishop of Lincoln
2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely
 
3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
 
|-
| Clophill
| Court of the Archdeaconry of Bedford
| 2 - Pre-1837: Court of the Bishop of Lincoln
2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely
 
3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
 
|-
| Colmworth
| Court of the Archdeaconry of Bedford
| 2 - Pre-1837: Court of the Bishop of Lincoln
2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely
 
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
 
2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely
 
3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
 
|-
| Cranfield
| Court of the Archdeaconry of Bedford
|
2 - Pre-1837: Court of the Bishop of Lincoln
 
2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely
 
3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
 
|-
| Dean  
| Court of the Archdeaconry of Bedford
| 2 - Pre-1837: Court of the Bishop of Lincoln&nbsp;
2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely
 
3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
 
|-
| Dunstable
| Court of the Archdeaconry of Bedford
| 2 - Pre-1837: Court of the Bishop of Lincoln
2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely
 
3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
 
|-
| Dunton
| Court of the Archdeaconry of Bedford
| 2 - Pre-1837: Court of the Bishop of Lincoln&nbsp;
2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely
 
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
2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely
 
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  
2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely
 
3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
 
|-
| Edworth
| Court of the Archdeaconry of Bedford
| 2 - Pre-1837: Court of the Bishop of Lincoln
2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely&nbsp;
 
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
 
5 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
 
|-
| Elstow
| Court of the Archdeaconry of Bedford
| 2 - Pre-1837: Court of the Bishop of Lincoln&nbsp;
2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely&nbsp;
 
3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
 
|-
| Eversholt
| Court of the Archdeaconry of Bedford
| 2 - Pre-1837: Court of the Bishop of Lincoln
2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely
 
3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
 
|-
| Eyeworth
| Court of the Archdeaconry of Bedford
| 2 - Pre-1837: Court of the Bishop of Lincoln
2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely&nbsp;
 
3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
 
|}
 
=== Post-1857 Probate Records  ===
 
Beginning in 1858, the government took over the&nbsp;settlement of estates and all&nbsp;wills are now probated through the Principal Probate Registry system.&nbsp; The system consists of 11 district registry offices and&nbsp;18 sub-district registries, located throughout England and Wales, and&nbsp;the principal registry&nbsp;office located in London.&nbsp; The records are available through the office of Her Majesty's Courts Service.&nbsp; To learn more, go to the [http://www.hmcourts-service.gov.uk/infoabout/civil/probate/index.htm HMCS website].


{{Place|Bedfordshire|Probate}} {{England Probate Records}}
A&nbsp;country-wide surname index to the records is available, so it is much easier to look for post-1857 wills.&nbsp; The [http://www.familysearch.org/eng/library/fhlcatalog/supermainframeset.asp?display=titledetails&titleno=208102&disp=Calendar+of+the+grants+of+probate+and+le%20%20&columns=*,0,0 indexes] for 1858-1957 and the records for 1858-1925 are available on microfilm at the Family History Library.<br>


[[Category:Bedfordshire Probate Records]]
[[Category:England|England]]

Revision as of 10:17, 26 March 2009

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

Return to the Bedfordshire County page.

Bedfordshire Probate Courts[edit | edit source]

The following courts had some jurisdiction over Bedfordshire before 1858:

Court Jurisdictions[edit | edit source]

The majority of parishes in Bedfordshire were under the primary jurisdiction of the Court of the Archdeacon of Bedford.  A total of  parishes covered by the two peculiar courts listed above.

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

2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely

3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury

Arlesey Court of the Archdeaconry of Bedford 2 - Pre-1837: Court of the Bishop of Lincoln

2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely

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

2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely

3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury

Astwick Court of the Archdeaconry of Bedford 2 - Pre-1837: Court of the Bishop of Lincoln

2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely

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

2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely

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

2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely

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

2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely

3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury

Battlesden Court of the Archdeaconry of Bedford 2 - Pre-1837: Court of the Bishop of Lincoln

2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely

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

2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely

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

2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely

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

2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely

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

2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely

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

2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely

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

2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely

3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury

Biddenham Court of the Archdeaconry of Bedford 2 - Pre-1837: Court of the Bishop of Lincoln

2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely

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

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 

5 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury

Bletsoe Court of the Archdeaconry of Bedford 2 - Pre-1837: Court of the Bishop of Lincoln

2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely

3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury

Blunham Court of the Archdeaconry of Bedford 2 - Pre-1837: Court of the Bishop of Lincoln

2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely

3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury

Bolnhurst Court of the Archdeaconry of Bedford 2 - Pre-1837: Court of the Bishop of Lincoln

2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely

3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury

Bromham Court of the Archdeaconry of Bedford 2 - Pre-1837: Court of the Bishop of Lincoln

2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely

3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury

Caddington Court of the Archdeaconry of Bedford 2 - Pre-1837: Court of the Bishop of Lincoln

2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely

3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury

Campton Court of the Archdeaconry of Bedford 2 - Pre-1837: Court of the Bishop of Lincoln

2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely

3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury

Cardington Court of the Archdeaconry of Bedford 2 - Pre-1837: Court of the Bishop of Lincoln

2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely

3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury

Carlton Court of the Archdeaconry of Bedford 2 - Pre-1837: Court of the Bishop of Lincoln

2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely

3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury

Chalgrave Court of the Archdeaconry of Bedford 2 - Pre-1837: Court of the Bishop of Lincoln

2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely

3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury

Chellington Court of the Archdeaconry of Bedford 2 - Pre-1837: Court of the Bishop of Lincoln

2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely

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

2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely

3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury

Clifton Court of the Archdeaconry of Bedford 2 - Pre-1837: Court of the Bishop of Lincoln

2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely

3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury

Clophill Court of the Archdeaconry of Bedford 2 - Pre-1837: Court of the Bishop of Lincoln

2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely

3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury

Colmworth Court of the Archdeaconry of Bedford 2 - Pre-1837: Court of the Bishop of Lincoln

2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely

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

2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely

3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury

Cranfield Court of the Archdeaconry of Bedford

2 - Pre-1837: Court of the Bishop of Lincoln

2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely

3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury

Dean Court of the Archdeaconry of Bedford 2 - Pre-1837: Court of the Bishop of Lincoln 

2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely

3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury

Dunstable Court of the Archdeaconry of Bedford 2 - Pre-1837: Court of the Bishop of Lincoln

2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely

3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury

Dunton Court of the Archdeaconry of Bedford 2 - Pre-1837: Court of the Bishop of Lincoln 

2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely

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

2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely

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

2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely

3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury

Edworth Court of the Archdeaconry of Bedford 2 - Pre-1837: Court of the Bishop of Lincoln

2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely 

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

5 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury

Elstow Court of the Archdeaconry of Bedford 2 - Pre-1837: Court of the Bishop of Lincoln 

2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely 

3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury

Eversholt Court of the Archdeaconry of Bedford 2 - Pre-1837: Court of the Bishop of Lincoln

2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely

3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury

Eyeworth Court of the Archdeaconry of Bedford 2 - Pre-1837: Court of the Bishop of Lincoln

2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely 

3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury

Post-1857 Probate Records[edit | edit source]

Beginning in 1858, the government took over the settlement of estates and all wills are now probated through the Principal Probate Registry system.  The system consists of 11 district registry offices and 18 sub-district registries, located throughout England and Wales, and the principal registry office located in London.  The records are available through the office of Her Majesty's Courts Service.  To learn more, go to the HMCS website.

A country-wide surname index to the records is available, so it is much easier to look for post-1857 wills.  The indexes for 1858-1957 and the records for 1858-1925 are available on microfilm at the Family History Library.

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