Somerset Probate Records: Difference between revisions

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{{Somerset-sidebar}}{{breadcrumb
For an explanation of probate records in England, click [[England Probate Records|here]].
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| link2=[[Somerset, England Genealogy|Somerset]]
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| link5=[[Somerset_Probate_Records|Probate Records]]
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== Getting Started ==
== Somerset Probate Courts ==


''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 Somerset. See [[England Probate Records]] for a general description of probate records in England.
== Some Explanatory Notes about the Somerset Probate Courts  ==


=== 1858 to the Present ===
== Court Jurisdictions ==


Beginning in 1858, the [[Principal Probate Registry|Principal Probate Registry]] had the authority for probating estates. Click on the link to learn more.
Before 1858, every town and parish in Somerset was under the probate jurisdiction of a primary ecclesiastical court and one or more secondary ecclesiastical courts.  When looking for the probate records of an ancestor, find his/her place of residence in the list, and search the courts in the order given.  Here is a list of Somerset places beginning with the letter A.  Search indexes first.  For indexes, click on the name of a court or see the indexes listed below.  


==== Online Records ====
For other place names, click on a letter link:  [[Somerset Probate Jurisdictions B|B]], [[Somerset Probate Jurisdictions C through D|C-D]], [[Somerset Probate Jurisdictions E through J|E-J]], [[Somerset Probate Jurisdictions K through M|K-M]], [[Somerset Probate Jurisdiction Parishes N through R|N-R]], [[Somerset Probate Jurisdiction Parishes S through T|S-T]], [[Somerset Probate Jurisdiction Parishes U through Z|U-Z]]. 


*'''1858-1957''' {{RecordSearch|2451051|England and Wales, National Index of Wills and Administrations, 1858-1957}} at FamilySearch - [[England and Wales, National Index of Wills and Administrations - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index & images
<br>


=== Before 1858  ===
{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5" width="95%" align="center" border="1"
 
|-
Before 1858, Church of England ecclesiastical courts had authority for this process. To search for a pre-1858 probate record in Somerset, follow these steps:
! style="background: #ffdead" width="15%" | PARISH
 
! style="background: #ffdead" width="40%" | PRIMARY COURT
==== Step 1. Search Indexes  ====
! style="background: #ffdead" width="40%" | SECONDARY COURTS - IN SEARCH ORDER
 
|-
Here are some online indexes to probate records that include individuals who lived in Somerset. Search these indexes first:
| Aisholt
 
| [[Court of the Bishop (Consistory) of the Archdeaconry of Taunton]]  
*Somerset Medieval Wills - Vol. 1 '''1383-1500''' [http://archive.org/details/somersetpub16someuoft Internet Archive] | Vol. 2 '''1501-1530''' [http://archive.org/details/somersetmedieva01weavgoog Internet Archive] | Vol. 3 '''1531-1558''' [http://books.google.com/books?id=SPg3yS_PfPwC Google Books] | [http://www.origins.net/help/aboutNWI-SOM.aspx Bristol Origins] includes all three volumes
| 2 - [[Court of the Bishop of Bath and Wells]] (Episcopal Consistory)
*[http://www.gomezsmart.myzen.co.uk/ http://www.gomezsmart.myzen.co.uk/]  (For wills or probate on this website, look under '[http://www.gomezsmart.myzen.co.uk/property.htm Property].')  This site is concerned with family and social history in the Hundred of Frome. This consisted of the parishes of Beckington, Berkley, Cloford, Elm, Frome Selwood, Laverton, Lullington, Marston Bigot, Nunney, Orchardleigh, Rode (Road), Rodden, Standerwick, Wanstrow, Whatley and Woolverton. It also included the adjacent Liberties of East Cranmore, Leigh-upon-Mendip, Mells and Witham Friary and the Peculiar of Buckland Dinham ([http://www.gomezsmart.myzen.co.uk/ see map]). 
|-
*[https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/help-with-your-research/research-guides/wills-or-administrations-before-1858/ Prerogative Court of Canterbury wills (1384-1858)] which was the highest court in England.
| Alford
 
| [[Court of the Bishop (Consistory) of the Archdeaconry of Wells]]
For more information about Somerset Probate Records see:
| 2 - [[Court of the Bishop of Bath and Wells]] (Episcopal Consistory)
 
|-
*[https://somerset-cat.swheritage.org.uk/ Somerset Archives and Local Studies], under Research Guides, Wills
| Aller
 
| [[Court of the Bishop (Consistory) of the Archdeaconry of Wells]]  
Here is a list of published indexes with broad coverage which are available at the FamilySearch Library in Salt Lake City. 
| 2 - [[Court of the Bishop of Bath and Wells]] (Episcopal Consistory)
 
|-
*{{FSC|1565560|title-id|disp=Somerset wills II pre-1858 extracted by Olive M. Moger (edited by A. J. Webb)}}
| Angersleigh
*{{FSC|285169|title-id|disp=Somerset medieval wills}}. Contents: v. 16 (1st ser.). 1383-1500 -- v. 19 (2nd ser.). 1501-1530, with some Somerset wills preserved at Lambeth -- v. 21 (3rd ser.) 1531-1558. "The Lambeth wills, from the archiepiscopal registers, are for 1363-1491."
| [[Court of the Bishop (Consistory) of the Archdeaconry of Taunton]]
*{{FSC|367254|title-id|disp=Medieval wills from Wells deposited in the diocesan registry, Wells, 1543 to 1546 and 1554 to 1556}}
| 2 - [[Court of the Bishop of Bath and Wells]] (Episcopal Consistory)
*{{FSC|285201|title-id|disp=Somerset wills from Exeter}}
|-
*{{FSC|288284|title-id|disp=Abstracts of Somersetshire wills, etc.}}
| Ansford
*{{FSC|289050|title-id|disp=Wells wills : arranged in parishes, and annotated}}
| [[Court of the Bishop (Consistory) of the Archdeaconry of Wells]]
*{{FSC|1188872|title-id|disp=The Genealogists' magazine}} - v. 5 (1929-1931) has and alphabetical list of Somerset Archdeaconry Court Wills proved at Taunton. Missing from other published lists, almost all these wills are from the 1600's see pages 328-336. <br>
| 2 - [[Court of the Bishop of Bath and Wells]] (Episcopal Consistory)
*Somerset Wills extracted by A.J. Monday and edited by Mary Siraut at The FamilySearch Library, Salt Lake City. Part of the Somerset Record Society Series Call Number British 942.38 B4s Volume 89
|-
*Wells Convocation Acts Books 1589-1665 Part I at The FamilySearch Library, Salt Lake City.  Part of the Somerset Record Society Series Call Number British 942.38 B4s Volume 90
| Ash
 
| [[Court of the Bishop (Consistory) of the Archdeaconry of Wells]]
Did you find a reference to a probate record?
| 2 - [[Court of the Bishop of Bath and Wells]] (Episcopal Consistory)
 
|-
*If ''yes'', go to '''Step 4''' below.
| Ash Priors
*If ''no'', go to '''Step 2''' below.
| [[Court of the Bishop (Consistory) of the Archdeaconry of Taunton]]
 
| 2 - [[Court of the Bishop of Bath and Wells]] (Episcopal Consistory)
==== Step 2. Identify when and where your ancestor died  ====
|-
 
| Ashbrittle
Determine ''when'' your ancestor died. If you aren't sure, use an approximate date. 
| [[Court of the Bishop (Consistory) of the Archdeaconry of Taunton]]
 
| 2 - [[Court of the Bishop of Bath and Wells]] (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:
|-
 
| Ashcott
*[https://www.visionofbritain.org.uk/descriptions/index.jsp Vision of Britain]
| [[Court of the Bishop (Consistory) of the Archdeaconry of Wells]]
 
| 2 - [[Court of the Bishop of Bath and Wells]] (Episcopal Consistory)
The gazetteer will either tell you:
|-
 
| Ashill
*A place is a parish, or
| [[Court of the Peculiar of the Prebend of Ashill]]  
*What parish it is a part of, or
| 2 - [[Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury]]
*What place it is near.
|-
 
| Ashington
If the latter, look that place up in the gazetteer and see if it is a parish.
| [[Court of the Bishop (Consistory) of the Archdeaconry of Wells]]
 
| 2 - [[Court of the Bishop of Bath and Wells]] (Episcopal Consistory)
Once you have identified the parish, go to '''Step 3'''.
|-
 
| Ashwick
==== Step 3. Identify court jurisdictions by parish  ====
| [[Court of the Bishop (Consistory) of the Archdeaconry of Wells]]
 
| 2 - [[Court of the Bishop of Bath and Wells]] (Episcopal Consistory)
Once you have identified the parish where your ancestor lived or died, learn which courts had jurisdiction over it then search indexes for those courts. Every town and parish in Somerset fell under the probate jurisdiction of a primary court and several secondary courts. Click on a link below for the letter the parish begins with.
 
{| cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1" width="372" border="1"
|-
|-
| [[Somerset Probate Jurisdictions Parishes A|A]]
| Axbridge
|  [[Somerset Probate Jurisdictions B|B]]
| [[Court of the Bishop (Consistory) of the Archdeaconry of Wells]]  
| [[Somerset Probate Jurisdictions Parishes C|C]]  
| 2 - [[Court of the Bishop of Bath and Wells]] (Episcopal Consistory)
| [[Somerset Probate Jurisdictions Parishes D|D]]
|  [[Somerset Probate Jurisdictions E through J|E-J]]
|  [[Somerset Probate Jurisdictions K through M|K-M]]
|  [[Somerset Probate Jurisdiction Parishes N through R|N-R]]
|  [[Somerset Probate Jurisdiction Parishes S through T|S-T]]
|  [[Somerset Probate Jurisdiction Parishes U through Z|U-Z]]
|}
|}


<br>
<br>


==== Step 4. Obtain a copy of the probate record  ====
== Probate Indexes Online<br> ==
 
Once you have found an index reference to a probate, obtain a copy of the record. Do so by one of these methods:


*{{FSC|England, Somerset - Probate records|subject|subject-id=995271147|disp=Somerset 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>
Before looking for a will, you should search an index.  
*Visit or contact the record office that has the original records in its collection.


== Somerset Probate Courts  ==
*[http://www.gomezsmart.myzen.co.uk/ http://www.gomezsmart.myzen.co.uk/]&nbsp; (For&nbsp;wills or&nbsp;probate on this website, look under 'Property.')


The following ecclesiastical courts had some probate jurisdiction over Somerset prior to 1858. Click on a court name to learn about records and indexes.  
This site is concerned with family and social history in the Hundred of Frome. This consisted of the parishes of Beckington, Berkley, Cloford, Elm, Frome Selwood, Laverton, Lullington, Marston Bigot, Nunney, Orchardleigh, Rode (Road), Rodden, Standerwick, Wanstrow, Whatley and Woolverton. It also included the adjacent Liberties of East Cranmore, Leigh upon Mendip, Mells and Witham Friary and the Peculiar of Buckland Dinham (see map).&nbsp;<br>


*[[Court of the Bishop (Consistory) of the Archdeaconry of Wells]]
*[[Court of the Bishop (Consistory) of the Archdeaconry of Taunton]]
*[[Court of the Bishop (Consistory) of the Dean of Wells]]
*[[Court of the Bishop (Consistory) of the Dean & Chapter of Wells]]
*[[Court of the Bishop of Bath and Wells (Episcopal Consistory)]]
*[[Court of the Bishop of Bristol in the Deanery of Bristol (Episcopal Consistory)]]
*[[Court of the Archdeaconry of Salisbury]]
*[[Court of the Peculiar of Banwell]]
*[[Court of the Peculiar of Churchill]]
*[[Court of the Peculiar of Kingsbury with East Lambrook]]
*[[Court of the Peculiar of North Wooton]]
*[[Court of the Peculiar of Pilton]]
*[[Court of the Peculiar of Witham Friary]]
*[[Court of the Peculiar of the Prebend of Ashill]]
*[[Court of the Peculiar of the Prebend of Buckland Dinham]]
*[[Court of the Peculiar of the Prebend of Compton Bishop]]
*[[Court of the Peculiar of the Prebend of Compton Dundon]]
*[[Court of the Peculiar of the Prebend of Cudworth & Knowle]]
*[[Court of the Peculiar of the Prebend of Easton-in-Gordano]]
*[[Court of the Peculiar of the Prebend of East Harptree]]
*[[Court of the Peculiar of the Prebend of Haselbury Plucknett]]
*[[Court of the Peculiar of the Prebend of Henstridge]]
*[[Court of the Peculiar of the Prebend of Ilton]]
*[[Court of the Peculiar of the Prebend of Litton]]
*[[Court of the Peculiar of the Prebend of St. Decumans]]
*[[Court of the Peculiar of the Prebend of Timberscombe]]
*[[Court of the Peculiar of the Prebend of West Lydford]]
*[[Court of the Peculiar of the Prebend of Whitelackington]]
*[[Court of the Peculiar of the Prebend of Wiveliscombe with Fitzhead]]
*[[Court of the Peculiar of the Prebend of Wookey]]
*[[Court of the Peculiar of the Prebend of Fordington and Writhlington]]
*[[Court of the Peculiar of the Prebend of Yatton & Kenn]]
*[[Court of the Royal Peculiar of Ilminster]]
*[[Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury]]


== Some Explanatory Notes about the Somerset Probate Courts  ==


"All probate records of the Diocese of Bath and Wells which had been deposited in the Probate Registry at Exeter were destroyed there in 1942.  The records destroyed were those of the Consistory Court of Bath and Wells, the Archdeaconry Courts of Wells and Taunton, the Consistory Courts of the Dean and Chapter and of the Dean [of Wells], the Peculiar Courts of the Precentor, the Chancellor and Sub-Dean of Wells, the Royal Peculiar Court of Ilminister, and the various Prebendary Courts."<ref>Camp, Anthony J., ''Wills and Their Whereabouts,'' London: by the author, 1974. FS Library book 942 S2wa, page 116.</ref>  
Information about Somerset Probate Records:<br>


{{reflist}}
*[http://www.somerset.gov.uk/archives/Wills.htm http://www.somerset.gov.uk/archives/Wills.htm]


== Estate Duty Records  ==
&nbsp;


Starting in 1796, a tax or death duty was payable on estates over a certain value. Estate duty abstracts may add considerable information not found elsewhere. Estate duty indexes may help locate a will, especially in Somerset where many of the original records were destroyed. For more information, go to [[Estate Duty Records]].
== Post-1857 Probate Records ==


<br>
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].
 
<br>


{{Place|Somerset}}
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 [http://www.familysearch.org/eng/library/fhlcatalog/supermainframeset.asp?display=authordetails&authorno=301365&name=Great+Britain%2E+Principal+Probate+Registry&columns=*,0,0 records] for 1858-1925 are available on microfilm at the Family History Library.<br>


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

Revision as of 09:48, 24 April 2009

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

Somerset Probate Courts[edit | edit source]

Some Explanatory Notes about the Somerset Probate Courts[edit | edit source]

Court Jurisdictions[edit | edit source]

Before 1858, every town and parish in Somerset was under the probate jurisdiction of a primary ecclesiastical court and one or more secondary ecclesiastical courts.  When looking for the probate records of an ancestor, find his/her place of residence in the list, and search the courts in the order given.  Here is a list of Somerset places beginning with the letter A.  Search indexes first.  For indexes, click on the name of a court or see the indexes listed below.

For other place names, click on a letter link:  B, C-D, E-J, K-M, N-R, S-T, U-Z. 


PARISH PRIMARY COURT SECONDARY COURTS - IN SEARCH ORDER
Aisholt Court of the Bishop (Consistory) of the Archdeaconry of Taunton 2 - Court of the Bishop of Bath and Wells (Episcopal Consistory)
Alford Court of the Bishop (Consistory) of the Archdeaconry of Wells 2 - Court of the Bishop of Bath and Wells (Episcopal Consistory)
Aller Court of the Bishop (Consistory) of the Archdeaconry of Wells 2 - Court of the Bishop of Bath and Wells (Episcopal Consistory)
Angersleigh Court of the Bishop (Consistory) of the Archdeaconry of Taunton 2 - Court of the Bishop of Bath and Wells (Episcopal Consistory)
Ansford Court of the Bishop (Consistory) of the Archdeaconry of Wells 2 - Court of the Bishop of Bath and Wells (Episcopal Consistory)
Ash Court of the Bishop (Consistory) of the Archdeaconry of Wells 2 - Court of the Bishop of Bath and Wells (Episcopal Consistory)
Ash Priors Court of the Bishop (Consistory) of the Archdeaconry of Taunton 2 - Court of the Bishop of Bath and Wells (Episcopal Consistory)
Ashbrittle Court of the Bishop (Consistory) of the Archdeaconry of Taunton 2 - Court of the Bishop of Bath and Wells (Episcopal Consistory)
Ashcott Court of the Bishop (Consistory) of the Archdeaconry of Wells 2 - Court of the Bishop of Bath and Wells (Episcopal Consistory)
Ashill Court of the Peculiar of the Prebend of Ashill 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
Ashington Court of the Bishop (Consistory) of the Archdeaconry of Wells 2 - Court of the Bishop of Bath and Wells (Episcopal Consistory)
Ashwick Court of the Bishop (Consistory) of the Archdeaconry of Wells 2 - Court of the Bishop of Bath and Wells (Episcopal Consistory)
Axbridge Court of the Bishop (Consistory) of the Archdeaconry of Wells 2 - Court of the Bishop of Bath and Wells (Episcopal Consistory)


Probate Indexes Online
[edit | edit source]

Before looking for a will, you should search an index.

This site is concerned with family and social history in the Hundred of Frome. This consisted of the parishes of Beckington, Berkley, Cloford, Elm, Frome Selwood, Laverton, Lullington, Marston Bigot, Nunney, Orchardleigh, Rode (Road), Rodden, Standerwick, Wanstrow, Whatley and Woolverton. It also included the adjacent Liberties of East Cranmore, Leigh upon Mendip, Mells and Witham Friary and the Peculiar of Buckland Dinham (see map). 


Information about Somerset Probate Records:

 

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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