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Cambridgeshire Probate Records: Difference between revisions

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For an explanation of probate records in England, click [[England Probate Records|here]].
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| link2=[[Cambridgeshire, England Genealogy|Cambridgeshire]]
| link3=
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| link5=[[Cambridgeshire_Probate_Records|Probate Records]]
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== Getting Started  ==


{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5" width="95%" align="center" border="1"
''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 Cambridgeshire. See [[England Probate Records]] for a general description of probate records in England.
|-
! style="background: #ffdead" width="15%" | PARISH
! style="background: #ffdead" width="40%" | PRIMARY COURT
! style="background: #ffdead" width="40%" | SECONDARY COURTS - IN SEARCH ORDER
|-
| Abington Pigotts
| Court of the Archdeaconry of Ely
| 2 - Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)


3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
=== 1858 to the Present  ===
|-
| Abington, Great
| Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Abington, Little
| Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Arrington
| Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Ashley with Silverley
| Court of the Archdeaconry of Sudbury
| 2 - Pre-1837: Court of the Consistory of Norwich
2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)


3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
Beginning in 1858, the [[Principal Probate Registry|Principal Probate Registry]] had the authority for probating estates. Click on the link to learn more.
|-
| Babraham
| Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Balsham
| Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Barrington
| Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Bartlow
| Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Barton
| Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Bassingbourn
| Court of the Archdeaconry of Ely
| 2 - Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)


3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
==== Online Records ====
|-
| Benwick
| Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Bottisham
| Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Bourn
| Court of the Archdeaconry of Ely
| 2 - Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)


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 - [[England and Wales, National Index of Wills and Administrations - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index
|-
*'''1858-1995''' [https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/1904/ England & Wales, National Probate Calendar (Index of Wills and Administrations), 1858-1995] at Ancestry
| Boxworth
*'''1858-2019''' [https://search.findmypast.co.uk/search-world-records/england-and-wales-government-probate-death-index-1858-2019 England & Wales Government Probate Death Index 1858-2019] at Findmypast
| Court of the Archdeaconry of Ely
| 2 - Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)
 
3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Brinkley
| Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Bumpstead, Helion
| Court of the Commissary of the Bishop of London (Essex and Hertfordshire Division)
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Burrough Green
| Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Burwell
| Court of the Archdeaconry of Sudbury
| 2 - Pre-1837: Court of the Consistory of Norwich
2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)
 
3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Caldecote
| Court of the Archdeaconry of Ely
| 2 - Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)
 
3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Cambridge All Saints (in the Jewry or by the Hospital)
| Court of the Archdeaconry of Ely
| 2 - Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)


3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
=== Before 1858  ===
|-
| Cambridge Holy Trinity
| Court of the Archdeaconry of Ely
| 2 - Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)


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 Cambridgeshire, follow these steps:
|-
| Cambridge St Andrew the Great
| Court of the Archdeaconry of Ely
| 2 - Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)
 
3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Cambridge St Andrew the Less 
| Court of the Archdeaconry of Ely
| 2 - Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)


3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
==== Step 1. Search Indexes  ====
|-
| Cambridge St Benedict
| Court of the Archdeaconry of Ely
| 2 - Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)


3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
Here are some online indexes to probate records that include individuals who lived in Cambridgeshire. Search this index first:
|-
| Cambridge St Botolph
| Court of the Archdeaconry of Ely
| 2 - Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)


3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
*Archdeaconry of Ely Probate Records 1513-1857.  Online at: [https://archive.org/details/indexofprobatere0000thur Internet Archive], [https://www.findmypast.com/articles/england-and-wales-published-wills-and-probate-indexes-1300-1858-volumes-available/cambridgeshire/archdeaconry-of-ely-probate-records-1513-1857--introduction-to-original-volume Findmypast] ($).
|-
*Consistory Court of Ely Probate Records 1449-1858. Online at: [https://www.findmypast.com/articles/england-and-wales-published-wills-and-probate-indexes-1300-1858-volumes-available/cambridgeshire/consistory-court-of-ely-probate-records-1449-1858-introduction-to-original-volume Findmypast] ($).
| Cambridge St Clement
*[https://www.chfhs.org.uk/search-the-database Cambridgeshire Wills Surname Index pre-1858.]  Established by the Cambridgeshire Family History Society, this index is small but is growing. Contributions are welcome. (use drop down menu to find wills)
| Court of the Archdeaconry of Ely
| 2 - Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)


3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
See other indexes on the court pages.  Click on a court name link in the Cambridgeshire Probate Courts section above.<br>
|-
| Cambridge St Edward King and Martyr
| Court of the Archdeaconry of Ely
| 2 - Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)


3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
Did you find a reference to a probate record?
|-
| Cambridge St Giles
| Court of the Archdeaconry of Ely
| 2 - Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)


3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
*If ''yes'', go to '''Step 4''' below.
|-
*If ''no'', go to '''Step 2''' below.
| Cambridge St Mary the Great
| Court of the Archdeaconry of Ely
| 2 - Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)


3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
==== Step 2. Identify when and where your ancestor died  ====
|-
| Cambridge St Mary the Less
| Court of the Archdeaconry of Ely
| 2 - Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)


3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
Determine ''when'' your ancestor died. If you aren't sure, use an approximate date. 
|-
| Cambridge St Michael
| Court of the Archdeaconry of Ely
| 2 - Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)


3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
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:
|-
| Cambridge St Paul
| Court of the Archdeaconry of Ely
| 2 - Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)


3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
*[https://www.visionofbritain.org.uk/maps/ Vision of Britain]
|-
| Cambridge St Peter (by the Castle or beyond the Bridge)
| Court of the Archdeaconry of Ely
| 2 - Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)


3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
The gazetteer will either tell you:
|-
| Cambridge St Radegund
| Court of the Archdeaconry of Ely
| 2 - Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)


3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
*A place is a parish, or
|-
*What parish it is a part of, or
| Cambridge St Sepulchre
*What place it is near.
| Court of the Archdeaconry of Ely
| 2 - Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)


3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
If the latter, look that place up in the gazetteer and see if it is a parish.
|-
| Camps, Castle
| Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Camps, Shudy
| Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Carlton cum Willingham
| Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Caxton
| Court of the Archdeaconry of Ely
| 2 - Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)


3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
Once you have identified the parish, go to '''Step 3'''.
|-
| Chatteris
| Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Cherry Hinton
| Court of the Archdeaconry of Ely
| 2 - Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)


3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
==== Step 3. Identify court jurisdictions by parish  ====
|-
| Chesterton
| Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Chettisham
| Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Cheveley
| Court of the Archdeaconry of Sudbury
| 2 - Pre-1837: Court of the Consistory of Norwich
2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)


3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
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 Cambridgeshire 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:  
|-
| Childerley
| Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Chippenham
| Court of the Archdeaconry of Sudbury
| 2 - Pre-1837: Court of the Consistory of Norwich
2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)


3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
<br>
|-
| Coates
| Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Comberton
| Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Conington
| Court of the Archdeaconry of Ely
| 2 - Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)


3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
{| cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1" border="0" style="width: 369px; height: 30px" class="FCK__ShowTableBorders"
|-
|-
| Coton
|  
| Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)
| [[Cambridgeshire_Probate_Jurisdictions,_Parishes_A-B|A-B]]
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
| [[Cambridgeshire_Probate_Jurisdictions,_Parishes_C|C]] 
|-
| [[Cambridgeshire_Probate_Jurisdictions,_Parishes_D-G|D-G]]
| Cottenham
| [[Cambridgeshire_Probate_Jurisdictions,_Parishes_H-L|H-L]]
| Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)
| [[Cambridgeshire_Probate_Jurisdictions,_Parishes_M-R|M-R]] 
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
| [[Cambridgeshire_Probate_Jurisdictions,_Parishes_S-Z|S-Z]]
|-
|}
| Coveney
| Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Croxton
| Court of the Archdeaconry of Ely
| 2 - Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)
 
3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Croydon cum Clapton
| Court of the Archdeaconry of Ely
| 2 - Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)
 
3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Ditton, Fen
| Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Ditton, Wood
| Court of the Archdeaconry of Sudbury
| 2 - Pre-1837: Court of the Consistory of Norwich
2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)
 
3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Doddington
| Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Downham, Little
| Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Drayton, Dry
| Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Drayton, Fen
| Court of the Archdeaconry of Ely
| 2 - Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)
 
3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Dullingham
| Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Duxford St John
| Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Duxford St Peter
| Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Elm
| Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Elsworth
| Court of the Archdeaconry of Ely
| 2 - Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)
 
3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Eltisley
| Court of the Archdeaconry of Ely
| 2 - Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)
 
3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Ely College (Cathedral)
| Court of the Peculiar of the Dean and Chapter of Ely
| Court of the Peculiar of the Dean and Chapter of Ely -- 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Ely Holy Trinity
| Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Ely St Mary
| Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Eversden, Great
| Court of the Archdeaconry of Ely
| 2 - Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)
 
3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Eversden, Little
| Court of the Archdeaconry of Ely
| 2 - Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)
 
3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Fordham
| Court of the Archdeaconry of Sudbury
| 2 - Pre-1837: Court of the Consistory of Norwich
2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)
 
3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Fowlmere
| Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Foxton
| Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Fulbourn All Saints
| Court of the Archdeaconry of Ely
| 2 - Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)
 
3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Fulbourn St Vigoris
| Court of the Archdeaconry of Ely
| 2 - Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)
 
3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Gamlingay
| Court of the Archdeaconry of Ely
| 2 - Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)
 
3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Girton
| Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Gransden, Little
| Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Grantchester
| Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Graveley
| Court of the Archdeaconry of Ely
| 2 - Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)
 
3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Grunty Fen
| Search the courts of the surrounding parishes
| .
|-
| Haddenham
| Court of the Archdeaconry of Ely
| 2 - Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)
 
3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Hardwick
| Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Harlton
| Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Harston
| Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Haslingfield
| Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Hatley St George
| Court of the Archdeaconry of Ely
| 2 - Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)
 
3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Hatley, East
| Court of the Archdeaconry of Ely
| 2 - Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)
 
3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Hauxton
| Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Hildersham
| Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Hinxton
| Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Histon
| Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Horningsea
| Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Horseheath
| Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Ickleton
| Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Impington
| Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Isleham
| Court of the Peculiar of Isleham and Freckenham
| 2 - Courts of the Bishop (Episcopal Consistory) and Archdeaconry of Rochester
 
3 - Court of the Commissary of the Bishop of Lincoln and of the Archdeacon in the Archdeaconry of Huntingdon
 
4 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)
4/5 - Court of the Consistory of Norwich
5/6 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
6/7 - Court of Arches
7/8 - High Court of Delegates
|-
| Kennett
| Court of the Archdeaconry of Sudbury
| 2 - Pre-1837: Court of the Consistory of Norwich
2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)
 
3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Kingston
| Court of the Archdeaconry of Ely
| 2 - Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)
 
3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Kirtling
| Court of the Archdeaconry of Sudbury
| 2 - Pre-1837: Court of the Consistory of Norwich
2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)
 
3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Knapwell
| Court of the Archdeaconry of Ely
| 2 - Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)
 
3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Landbeach
| Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Landwade
| Court of the Archdeaconry of Sudbury
| 2 - Pre-1837: Court of the Consistory of Norwich
2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)
 
3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Leverington
| Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Linton
| Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Litlington
| Court of the Archdeaconry of Ely
| 2 - Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)
 
3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Littleport
| Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Lolworth
| Court of the Archdeaconry of Ely
| 2 - Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)
 
3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Long Stanton All Saints
| Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Long Stanton St Michael
| Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Longstowe
| Court of the Archdeaconry of Ely
| 2 - Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)
 
3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Madingley
| Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Manea
| Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| March
| Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Melbourn
| Court of the Archdeaconry of Ely
| 2 - Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)
 
3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Meldreth
| Court of the Archdeaconry of Ely
| 2 - Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)
 
3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Mepal
| Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Milton
| Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Morden, Guilden
| Court of the Archdeaconry of Ely
| 2 - Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)
 
3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Morden, Steeple
| Court of the Archdeaconry of Ely
| 2 - Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)
 
3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Newmarket All Saints
| Court of the Archdeaconry of Sudbury
| 2 - Pre-1837: Court of the Consistory of Norwich
2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)
 
3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Newton (near Harston)
| Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Newton in the Isle
| Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Oakington
| Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Orwell
| Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Outwell
| Court of the Archdeaconry of Norfolk
| 2 - Court of the Consistory of Norwich
 
3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Over
| Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Pampisford
| Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Papworth Agnes
| Court of the Archdeaconry of Ely
| 2 - Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)
 
3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Papworth Everard
| Court of the Archdeaconry of Ely
| 2 - Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)
 
3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Parson Drove
| Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Quy
| Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Rampton
| Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Royston
| Court of the Commissary of the Bishop of London (Essex and Hertfordshire Division)
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Sawston
| Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Shelford, Great
| Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Shelford, Little
| Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Shepreth
| Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Snailwell
| Court of the Archdeaconry of Sudbury
| 2 - Pre-1837: Court of the Consistory of Norwich
2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)


3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
<br>
|-
| Soham with Barway
| Court of the Archdeaconry of Sudbury
| 2 - Pre-1837: Court of the Consistory of Norwich
2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)


3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
==== Step 4. Obtain a copy of the probate record  ====
|-
| Stanground
| Court of the Commissary of the Bishop of Lincoln and of the Archdeacon in the Archdeaconry of Huntingdon
| 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
|-
| Stapleford
| Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Stetchworth
| Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Stretham
| Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Stuntney
| Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Sutton
| Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Swaffham Bulbeck
| Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Swaffham Prior
| Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Swavesey
| Court of the Archdeaconry of Ely
| 2 - Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)
 
3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Tadlow
| Court of the Archdeaconry of Ely
| 2 - Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)
 
3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Teversham
| Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Thetford
| Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Thorney Abbey
| Court of the Peculiar Parish of Thorney
| 2 - Court of the Commissary of the Bishop of Lincoln and of the Archdeacon in the Archdeaconry of Huntingdon
 
3 - Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)
 
4 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
 
5 - Court of Arches
 
6 - High Court of Delegates
|-
| Thriplow
| Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Toft
| Court of the Archdeaconry of Ely
| 2 - Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)


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:
|-
| Trumpington
| Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Tydd St Giles
| Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Upwell
| Court of the Archdeaconry of Norfolk
| 2 - Court of the Consistory of Norwich


3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
*{{FSC|342141|subject_id|disp=Cambridgeshire 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.
| Waterbeach
| Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Welches Dam
| Search the courts of the surrounding parishes
| .
|-
| Welney
| Court of the Archdeaconry of Norfolk
| 2 - Court of the Consistory of Norwich


3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
== Cambridgeshire Probate Courts  ==
|-
| Wendy with Shingay
| Court of the Archdeaconry of Ely
| 2 - Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)


3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
Here is a list of the ecclesiastical courts that had some pre-1858 probate jurisdiction over the parishes of Cambridgeshire.  Click on a court name for more information.  Also see the Indexes section below. 
|-
| Wentworth
| Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Westley Waterless
| Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Weston Colville
| Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Whaddon
| Court of the Archdeaconry of Ely
| 2 - Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)


3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
*[[Court of the Archdeaconry of Ely]] (Diocese of Ely)
|-
*[[Court of the Archdeaconry of Norfolk]] (Diocese of Norwich)  
| Whittlesey St Andrew
*[[Court of the Archdeaconry of Sudbury]] (Diocese of Norwich)
| Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)
*[[Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)|Court of the Bishop of Ely]] (Episcopal Consistory)
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
*[[Court of the Bishop of Norwich]] (Episcopal Consistory)
|-
*[[Courts of the Bishop (Episcopal Consistory) and Archdeaconry of Rochester]]
| Whittlesey St Mary
*[[Court of the Chancellor of the University of Cambridge]]
| Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)
*[[Court of the Peculiar of Isleham and Freckenham]]
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
*[[Court of the Peculiar of King's College]]
|-
*[[Court of the Peculiar Parish of Thorney]]
| Whittlesford
*[[Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury]] &gt;
| Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Wicken
| Court of the Archdeaconry of Sudbury
| 2 - Pre-1837: Court of the Consistory of Norwich
2 - Post-1836: Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)


3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
{{Place|Cambridgeshire|Probate}}
|-
{{England Probate Records}}
| Wickham, West
| Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Wilbraham, Great
| Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Wilbraham, Little
| Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Wilburton
| Court of the Archdeaconry of Ely
| 2 - Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)


3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
[[Category:Cambridgeshire Probate Records]]
|-
| Willingham
| Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Wimblington
| Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Wimpole
| Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Wisbech St Augustine
| Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Wisbech St Mary
| Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Wisbech St Peter and St Paul
| Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Witcham
| Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Witchford
| Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Wratting, West
| Court of the Bishop of Ely (Episcopal Consistory)
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|}

Latest revision as of 12:20, 14 March 2024

Cambridgeshire Wiki Topics
File:Cambridgeshire_flag.png
Beginning Research
Record Types
Cambridgeshire Background
Local Research Resources

Getting Started

Probate is the legal court process by which the estate of a deceased person is distributed to his or her heirs. Probate records include wills and administrations. This article is about probate records in Cambridgeshire. See England Probate Records for a general description of probate records in England.

1858 to the Present

Beginning in 1858, the Principal Probate Registry had the authority for probating estates. Click on the link to learn more.

Online Records

Before 1858

Before 1858, Church of England ecclesiastical courts had authority for this process. To search for a pre-1858 probate record in Cambridgeshire, follow these steps:

Step 1. Search Indexes

Here are some online indexes to probate records that include individuals who lived in Cambridgeshire. Search this index first:

See other indexes on the court pages. Click on a court name link in the Cambridgeshire Probate Courts section above.

Did you find a reference to a probate record?

  • If yes, go to Step 4 below.
  • If no, go to Step 2 below.

Step 2. Identify when and where your ancestor died

Determine when your ancestor died. If you aren't sure, use an approximate date.

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 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:

The gazetteer will either tell you:

  • A place is a parish, or
  • What parish it is a part of, or
  • What place it is near.

If the latter, look that place up in the gazetteer and see if it is a parish.

Once you have identified the parish, go to Step 3.

Step 3. Identify court jurisdictions by parish

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 Cambridgeshire 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:


A-B C D-G H-L M-R S-Z


Step 4. Obtain a copy of the probate record

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

Cambridgeshire Probate Courts

Here is a list of the ecclesiastical courts that had some pre-1858 probate jurisdiction over the parishes of Cambridgeshire. Click on a court name for more information. Also see the Indexes section below.

v • d• e
Links to Cambridgeshire-related articles


v • d• e
England Probate Records by county
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