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Cumberland Probate Records: Difference between revisions

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For an expanation of probate records in England, click [[England Probate Records|here]].
{{Cumberland-sidebar}}{{breadcrumb
| link1=[[England Genealogy|England]]
| link2=[[Cumberland, England Genealogy|Cumberland]]
| link3=
| link4=
| link5=[[Cumberland_Probate_Records|Probate Records]]
}}


Here is a list of parishes beginning with A through Cand their probate courts.  Click [[Cumberland_Probate_Records,_Parishes_D-H|here]] to see parishes D-H.  To see I through Z click [[Cumberland Probate Records, Parishes I-Z|here]].
== Getting Started  ==


<br>
''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 Cumberland. See [[England Probate Records]] for a general description of probate records in England.


Return to the [[Cumberland|Cumberland County]] page.
=== 1858 to the Present  ===


{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5" width="95%" align="center" border="1"
Beginning in 1858, the [[Principal Probate Registry|Principal Probate Registry]] had the authority for probating estates. Click on the link to learn more.
|-
! style="background: #ffdead" width="15%" | PARISH
! style="background: #ffdead" width="40%" | PRIMARY COURT
! style="background: #ffdead" width="40%" | SECONDARY COURTS - IN SEARCH ORDER
|-
| Addingham
| Court of the Bishop of Carlisle (Episcopal Consistory)
| 2 - Exchequer and Prerogative Courts of the Archbishop of York
3 - Court of the Peculiar of the Dean and Chapter of York


4 - Chancery Court of the Archbishop of York
==== Online Records ====


5 - 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 & images
* '''1858-1995''' [https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/1904/ England & Wales, National Probate Calendar (Index of Wills and Administrations), 1858-1995] at Ancestry($); index
* '''1858-2019''' [https://search.findmypast.com/search-world-records/england-and-wales-government-probate-death-index-1858-2019 England & Wales Government Probate Death Index 1858-2019] at Findmypast($); index


|-
=== Before 1858  ===
| Aikton
| Court of the Bishop of Carlisle (Episcopal Consistory)
| 2 - Exchequer and Prerogative Courts of the Archbishop of York
3 - Court of the Peculiar of the Dean and Chapter of York


4 - Chancery Court of the Archbishop of York
Before 1858, Church of England ecclesiastical courts had authority for this process. To search for a pre-1858 probate record in Cumberland, follow these steps:


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


|-
Before looking for a will, you should search a probate index. It will save time and give a reference to finding a copy of a will. A few indexes are mentioned here. Others indexes, especially if they only index the wills for one court, are mentioned on each court page.<br>
| Ainstable
| Court of the Bishop of Carlisle (Episcopal Consistory)
| 2 - Exchequer and Prerogative Courts of the Archbishop of York
3 - Court of the Peculiar of the Dean and Chapter of York


4 - Chancery Court of the Archbishop of York
*[https://www.findmypast.com/articles/england-and-wales-published-wills-and-probate-indexes-1300-1858-volumes-available/cumberland/index-to-the-wills-proved-in-the-consistory-court-of-carlisle-1661-1750-introduction-to-original-volume Index to the Wills Proved in the Consistory Court of Carlisle 1661-1750] at Findmypast - index ($).


5 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
Indexes are found in archives and in the FamilySearch Library. Click here to see a list of the library's holdings for {{FSC|506247|subject-id|disp=indexes}} and {{FSC|453504|subject-id|disp=wills}}. Films can be viewed in the Library or in a [https://www.familysearch.org/en/centers/about FamilySearch Center]. <br>


|-
Did you find a reference to a will?
| Allhallows
| Court of the Bishop of Carlisle (Episcopal Consistory)
| 2 - Exchequer and Prerogative Courts of the Archbishop of York
3 - Court of the Peculiar of the Dean and Chapter of York


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


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


|-
Determine ''when'' your ancestor died. If you aren't sure, use an approximate date. 
| Allonby
| Court of the Bishop of Carlisle (Episcopal Consistory)
| 2 - Exchequer and Prerogative Courts of the Archbishop of York
3 - Court of the Peculiar of the Dean and Chapter of York


4 - Chancery Court of the Archbishop of York
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/ Vision of Britain]


|-
The gazetteer will either tell you:
| Alston with Garrigill
| Court of the Bishop of Durham (Episcopal Consistory)
| Court of the Bishop of Durham (Episcopal Consistory) -- 2 - Exchequer and Prerogative Courts of the Archbishop of York
3 - Court of the Peculiar of the Dean and Chapter of York


4 - Chancery Court of the Archbishop of York
*A place is a parish, or
*What parish it is a part of, or
*What place it is near.


5 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
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'''.
| Arlecdon
| Court of the Archdeaconry of Richmond Western Deaneries - Copeland
| 2 - Exchequer and Prerogative Courts of the Archbishop of York
3 - Court of the Peculiar of the Dean and Chapter of York


4 - Chancery Court of the Archbishop of York
==== Step 3. Identify court jurisdictions by parish  ====


5 - 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 Cumberland 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.<br>


|-
| Armathwaite
| Court of the Bishop of Carlisle (Episcopal Consistory)
| 2 - Exchequer and Prerogative Courts of the Archbishop of York
3 - Court of the Peculiar of the Dean and Chapter of York
4 - Chancery Court of the Archbishop of York


5 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury


{| class="FCK__ShowTableBorders" style="width: 360px; height: 30px" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1" border="0"
|-
|-
| Arthuret
|  
| Court of the Bishop of Carlisle (Episcopal Consistory)
|  
| 2 - Exchequer and Prerogative Courts of the Archbishop of York
|  
3 - Court of the Peculiar of the Dean and Chapter of York
| [[Cumberland Probate Jurisdictions, Parishes A|A]] 
| [[Cumberland Probate Jurisdictions, Parishes B-C|B-C]]
| [[Cumberland Probate Jurisdictions, Parishes D-H|D-H]]
| [[Cumberland Probate Jurisdictions, Parishes I-N|I-N]]
| [[Cumberland Probate Jurisdictions, Parishes O-T|O-T]]
| [[Cumberland Probate Jurisdictions, Parishes U-Z|U-Z]]
|}


4 - Chancery Court of the Archbishop of York
<br>
 
5 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury


|-
==== Step 4. Obtain a copy of the probate record  ====
| Aspatria
| Court of the Bishop of Carlisle (Episcopal Consistory)
| 2 - Exchequer and Prerogative Courts of the Archbishop of York
3 - Court of the Peculiar of the Dean and Chapter of York


4 - Chancery Court of the Archbishop of York
Once you have found an index reference to a will or other probate record, obtain a copy of the record. Do so by one of these methods:


5 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
*{{FSC|453504|subject_id|disp=Cumberland 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.


|-
== Cumberland Probate Courts ==
| Bassenthwaite
| Court of the Bishop of Carlisle (Episcopal Consistory)
| 2 - Exchequer and Prerogative Courts of the Archbishop of York
3 - Court of the Peculiar of the Dean and Chapter of York


4 - Chancery Court of the Archbishop of York
The following ecclesiastical courts had some probate jurisdiction over the county of Cumberland prior to 1858. Click on a court name to learn more about its records, indexes and finding a probate for your ancestor. To determine which court, go to the Court Jurisdictions section above.<br>


5 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
*[[Court of the Bishop of Carlisle (Episcopal Consistory)]]
*[[Court of the Archdeaconry of Richmond Western Deaneries - Copeland]]
*[[Court of the Bishop of Durham (Episcopal Consistory)]]
*[[Exchequer and Prerogative Courts of the Archbishop of York]]
*[[Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury]]


|-
<br>
| Beckermet St Bridget
| Court of the Archdeaconry of Richmond Western Deaneries - Copeland
| 2 - Exchequer and Prerogative Courts of the Archbishop of York
3 - Court of the Peculiar of the Dean and Chapter of York
 
4 - Chancery Court of the Archbishop of York
 
5 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
 
|-
| Beckermet St John
| Court of the Archdeaconry of Richmond Western Deaneries - Copeland
| 2 - Exchequer and Prerogative Courts of the Archbishop of York
3 - Court of the Peculiar of the Dean and Chapter of York
 
4 - Chancery Court of the Archbishop of York
 
5 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
 
|-
| Bewcastle
| Court of the Bishop of Carlisle (Episcopal Consistory)
| 2 - Exchequer and Prerogative Courts of the Archbishop of York
3 - Court of the Peculiar of the Dean and Chapter of York
 
4 - Chancery Court of the Archbishop of York
 
5 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
 
|-
| Bolton
| Court of the Bishop of Carlisle (Episcopal Consistory)
| 2 - Exchequer and Prerogative Courts of the Archbishop of York
3 - Court of the Peculiar of the Dean and Chapter of York
 
4 - Chancery Court of the Archbishop of York
 
5 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
 
|-
| Bootle
| Court of the Archdeaconry of Richmond Western Deaneries - Copeland
| 2 - Exchequer and Prerogative Courts of the Archbishop of York
3 - Court of the Peculiar of the Dean and Chapter of York
 
4 - Chancery Court of the Archbishop of York
 
5 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
 
|-
| Borrowdale
| Court of the Bishop of Carlisle (Episcopal Consistory)
| 2 - Exchequer and Prerogative Courts of the Archbishop of York
3 - Court of the Peculiar of the Dean and Chapter of York
 
4 - Chancery Court of the Archbishop of York
 
5 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
 
|-
| Bowness
| Court of the Bishop of Carlisle (Episcopal Consistory)
| 2 - Exchequer and Prerogative Courts of the Archbishop of York
3 - Court of the Peculiar of the Dean and Chapter of York
 
4 - Chancery Court of the Archbishop of York
 
5 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
 
|-
| Brampton
| Court of the Bishop of Carlisle (Episcopal Consistory)
| 2 - Exchequer and Prerogative Courts of the Archbishop of York
3 - Court of the Peculiar of the Dean and Chapter of York
 
4 - Chancery Court of the Archbishop of York
 
5 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
 
|-
| Bridekirk
| Court of the Bishop of Carlisle (Episcopal Consistory)
| 2 - Exchequer and Prerogative Courts of the Archbishop of York
3 - Court of the Peculiar of the Dean and Chapter of York
 
4 - Chancery Court of the Archbishop of York
 
5 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
 
|-
| Brigham
| Court of the Archdeaconry of Richmond Western Deaneries - Copeland
| 2 - Exchequer and Prerogative Courts of the Archbishop of York
3 - Court of the Peculiar of the Dean and Chapter of York
 
4 - Chancery Court of the Archbishop of York
 
5 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
 
|-
| Bromfield
| Court of the Bishop of Carlisle (Episcopal Consistory)
| 2 - Exchequer and Prerogative Courts of the Archbishop of York
3 - Court of the Peculiar of the Dean and Chapter of York
 
4 - Chancery Court of the Archbishop of York
 
5 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
 
|-
| Burgh by Sands
| Court of the Bishop of Carlisle (Episcopal Consistory)
| 2 - Exchequer and Prerogative Courts of the Archbishop of York
3 - Court of the Peculiar of the Dean and Chapter of York
 
4 - Chancery Court of the Archbishop of York
 
5 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
 
|-
| Buttermere
| Court of the Archdeaconry of Richmond Western Deaneries - Copeland
| 2 - Exchequer and Prerogative Courts of the Archbishop of York
3 - Court of the Peculiar of the Dean and Chapter of York
 
4 - Chancery Court of the Archbishop of York
 
5 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
 
|-
| Caldbeck
| Court of the Bishop of Carlisle (Episcopal Consistory)
| 2 - Exchequer and Prerogative Courts of the Archbishop of York
3 - Court of the Peculiar of the Dean and Chapter of York
 
4 - Chancery Court of the Archbishop of York
 
5 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
 
|-
| Camerton
| Court of the Bishop of Carlisle (Episcopal Consistory)
| 2 - Exchequer and Prerogative Courts of the Archbishop of York
3 - Court of the Peculiar of the Dean and Chapter of York
 
4 - Chancery Court of the Archbishop of York
 
5 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
 
|-
| Carlatton
| Search the courts of the surrounding parishes
| .
|-
| Carlisle Christ Church
| Court of the Bishop of Carlisle (Episcopal Consistory)
| 2 - Exchequer and Prerogative Courts of the Archbishop of York
3 - Court of the Peculiar of the Dean and Chapter of York
 
4 - Chancery Court of the Archbishop of York
 
5 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
 
|-
| Carlisle Holy Trinity
| Court of the Bishop of Carlisle (Episcopal Consistory)
| 2 - Exchequer and Prerogative Courts of the Archbishop of York
3 - Court of the Peculiar of the Dean and Chapter of York
 
4 - Chancery Court of the Archbishop of York
 
5 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
 
|-
| Carlisle St Cuthbert
| Court of the Bishop of Carlisle (Episcopal Consistory)
| 2 - Exchequer and Prerogative Courts of the Archbishop of York
3 - Court of the Peculiar of the Dean and Chapter of York
 
4 - Chancery Court of the Archbishop of York
 
5 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
 
|-
| Carlisle St Mary
| Court of the Bishop of Carlisle (Episcopal Consistory)
| 2 - Exchequer and Prerogative Courts of the Archbishop of York
3 - Court of the Peculiar of the Dean and Chapter of York
 
4 - Chancery Court of the Archbishop of York
 
5 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
 
|-
| Castle Carrock
| Court of the Bishop of Carlisle (Episcopal Consistory)
| 2 - Exchequer and Prerogative Courts of the Archbishop of York
3 - Court of the Peculiar of the Dean and Chapter of York
 
4 - Chancery Court of the Archbishop of York
 
5 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
 
|-
| Castle Sowerby
| Court of the Bishop of Carlisle (Episcopal Consistory)
| 2 - Exchequer and Prerogative Courts of the Archbishop of York
3 - Court of the Peculiar of the Dean and Chapter of York
 
4 - Chancery Court of the Archbishop of York
 
5 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
 
|-
| Cleator
| Court of the Archdeaconry of Richmond Western Deaneries - Copeland
| 2 - Exchequer and Prerogative Courts of the Archbishop of York
3 - Court of the Peculiar of the Dean and Chapter of York
 
4 - Chancery Court of the Archbishop of York
 
5 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
 
|-
| Clifton
| Court of the Archdeaconry of Richmond Western Deaneries - Copeland
| 2 - Exchequer and Prerogative Courts of the Archbishop of York
3 - Court of the Peculiar of the Dean and Chapter of York
 
4 - Chancery Court of the Archbishop of York
 
5 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
 
|-
| Cloffocks
| Search the courts of the surrounding parishes
| .
|-
| Cockermouth
| Court of the Archdeaconry of Richmond Western Deaneries - Copeland
| 2 - Exchequer and Prerogative Courts of the Archbishop of York
3 - Court of the Peculiar of the Dean and Chapter of York
 
4 - Chancery Court of the Archbishop of York
 
5 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
 
|-
| Corney
| Court of the Archdeaconry of Richmond Western Deaneries - Copeland
| 2 - Exchequer and Prerogative Courts of the Archbishop of York
3 - Court of the Peculiar of the Dean and Chapter of York
 
4 - Chancery Court of the Archbishop of York
 
5 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
 
|-
| Croglin
| Court of the Bishop of Carlisle (Episcopal Consistory)
| 2 - Exchequer and Prerogative Courts of the Archbishop of York
3 - Court of the Peculiar of the Dean and Chapter of York
 
4 - Chancery Court of the Archbishop of York
 
5 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
 
|-
| Crosby on Eden
| Court of the Bishop of Carlisle (Episcopal Consistory)
| 2 - Exchequer and Prerogative Courts of the Archbishop of York
3 - Court of the Peculiar of the Dean and Chapter of York
 
4 - Chancery Court of the Archbishop of York
 
5 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
 
|-
| Crosscanonby
| Court of the Bishop of Carlisle (Episcopal Consistory)
| 2 - Exchequer and Prerogative Courts of the Archbishop of York
3 - Court of the Peculiar of the Dean and Chapter of York
 
4 - Chancery Court of the Archbishop of York
 
5 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
 
|-
| Crosthwaite
| Court of the Bishop of Carlisle (Episcopal Consistory)
| 2 - Exchequer and Prerogative Courts of the Archbishop of York
3 - Court of the Peculiar of the Dean and Chapter of York
 
4 - Chancery Court of the Archbishop of York
 
5 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
 
|-
| Culgaith
| Court of the Bishop of Carlisle (Episcopal Consistory)
| 2 - Exchequer and Prerogative Courts of the Archbishop of York
3 - Court of the Peculiar of the Dean and Chapter of York
 
4 - Chancery Court of the Archbishop of York
 
5 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
 
|-
| Cumrew
| Court of the Bishop of Carlisle (Episcopal Consistory)
| 2 - Exchequer and Prerogative Courts of the Archbishop of York
3 - Court of the Peculiar of the Dean and Chapter of York
 
4 - Chancery Court of the Archbishop of York
 
5 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
 
|-
| Cumwhitton
| Court of the Bishop of Carlisle (Episcopal Consistory)
| 2 - Exchequer and Prerogative Courts of the Archbishop of York
3 - Court of the Peculiar of the Dean and Chapter of York
 
4 - Chancery Court of the Archbishop of York
 
5 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
 
|-
| Dacre
| Court of the Bishop of Carlisle (Episcopal Consistory)
| 2 - Exchequer and Prerogative Courts of the Archbishop of York
3 - Court of the Peculiar of the Dean and Chapter of York
 
4 - Chancery Court of the Archbishop of York
 
5 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury


|-
== Some Explanatory Notes on the Cumberland Probate Courts ==
| Dalston
| Court of the Bishop of Carlisle (Episcopal Consistory)
| 2 - Exchequer and Prerogative Courts of the Archbishop of York
3 - Court of the Peculiar of the Dean and Chapter of York


4 - Chancery Court of the Archbishop of York
The original probate records are housed in one of four record offices in the following cities: Barrow, Kendall, Carlisle, and Whitehaven. Links to these offices are found on the [http://www.cumbria.gov.uk/archives/recordoffices/default.asp Cumbria Archive Service] site.


5 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
{{Place|Cumberland|Probate Records}}
{{England Probate Records}}


|-
[[Category:Cumberland Probate Records|Probate Records]]
| Dean
| Court of the Archdeaconry of Richmond Western Deaneries - Copeland
| 2 - Exchequer and Prerogative Courts of the Archbishop of York
3 - Court of the Peculiar of the Dean and Chapter of York
 
4 - Chancery Court of the Archbishop of York
 
5 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
 
|-
| Dearham
| Court of the Bishop of Carlisle (Episcopal Consistory)
| 2 - Exchequer and Prerogative Courts of the Archbishop of York
3 - Court of the Peculiar of the Dean and Chapter of York
 
4 - Chancery Court of the Archbishop of York
 
5 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
 
|-
| Denton, Nether
| Court of the Bishop of Carlisle (Episcopal Consistory)
| 2 - Exchequer and Prerogative Courts of the Archbishop of York
3 - Court of the Peculiar of the Dean and Chapter of York
 
4 - Chancery Court of the Archbishop of York
 
5 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
 
|-
| Denton, Over
| Pre-1777 - Court of the Bishop of Durham (Episcopal Consistory); Post-1776 - Court of the Bishop of Carlisle (Episcopal Consistory)
| 2 - Exchequer and Prerogative Courts of the Archbishop of York
3 - Court of the Peculiar of the Dean and Chapter of York
 
4 - Chancery Court of the Archbishop of York
 
5 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
 
|-
| Distington
| Court of the Archdeaconry of Richmond Western Deaneries - Copeland
| 2 - Exchequer and Prerogative Courts of the Archbishop of York
3 - Court of the Peculiar of the Dean and Chapter of York
 
4 - Chancery Court of the Archbishop of York
 
5 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
 
|-
| Drigg
| Court of the Archdeaconry of Richmond Western Deaneries - Copeland
| 2 - Exchequer and Prerogative Courts of the Archbishop of York
3 - Court of the Peculiar of the Dean and Chapter of York
 
4 - Chancery Court of the Archbishop of York
 
5 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
 
|-
| Eaglesfield Abbey
| Search the courts of the surrounding parishes
|
|-
| Edenhall
| Court of the Bishop of Carlisle (Episcopal Consistory)
| 2 - Exchequer and Prerogative Courts of the Archbishop of York
3 - Court of the Peculiar of the Dean and Chapter of York
 
4 - Chancery Court of the Archbishop of York
 
5 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
 
|-
| Egremont
| Court of the Archdeaconry of Richmond Western Deaneries - Copeland
| 2 - Exchequer and Prerogative Courts of the Archbishop of York
3 - Court of the Peculiar of the Dean and Chapter of York
 
4 - Chancery Court of the Archbishop of York
 
5 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
 
|-
| Embleton
| Court of the Archdeaconry of Richmond Western Deaneries - Copeland
| 2 - Exchequer and Prerogative Courts of the Archbishop of York
3 - Court of the Peculiar of the Dean and Chapter of York
 
4 - Chancery Court of the Archbishop of York
 
5 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
 
|-
| Ennerdale
| Court of the Archdeaconry of Richmond Western Deaneries - Copeland
| 2 - Exchequer and Prerogative Courts of the Archbishop of York
3 - Court of the Peculiar of the Dean and Chapter of York
 
4 - Chancery Court of the Archbishop of York
 
5 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
 
|-
| Eskdale
| Court of the Archdeaconry of Richmond Western Deaneries - Copeland
| 2 - Exchequer and Prerogative Courts of the Archbishop of York
3 - Court of the Peculiar of the Dean and Chapter of York
 
4 - Chancery Court of the Archbishop of York
 
5 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
 
|-
| Farlam
| Court of the Bishop of Carlisle (Episcopal Consistory)
| 2 - Exchequer and Prerogative Courts of the Archbishop of York
3 - Court of the Peculiar of the Dean and Chapter of York
 
4 - Chancery Court of the Archbishop of York
 
5 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
 
|-
| Flimby
| Court of the Bishop of Carlisle (Episcopal Consistory)
| 2 - Exchequer and Prerogative Courts of the Archbishop of York
3 - Court of the Peculiar of the Dean and Chapter of York
 
4 - Chancery Court of the Archbishop of York
 
5 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
 
|-
| Geltsdale
| Search the courts of the surrounding parishes
| .
|-
| Gilcrux
| Court of the Bishop of Carlisle (Episcopal Consistory)
| 2 - Exchequer and Prerogative Courts of the Archbishop of York
3 - Court of the Peculiar of the Dean and Chapter of York
 
4 - Chancery Court of the Archbishop of York
 
5 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
 
|-
| Gosforth
| Court of the Archdeaconry of Richmond Western Deaneries - Copeland
| 2 - Exchequer and Prerogative Courts of the Archbishop of York
3 - Court of the Peculiar of the Dean and Chapter of York
 
4 - Chancery Court of the Archbishop of York
 
5 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
 
|-
| Greystoke
| Court of the Bishop of Carlisle (Episcopal Consistory)
| 2 - Exchequer and Prerogative Courts of the Archbishop of York
3 - Court of the Peculiar of the Dean and Chapter of York
 
4 - Chancery Court of the Archbishop of York
 
5 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
 
|-
| Grinsdale
| Court of the Bishop of Carlisle (Episcopal Consistory)
| 2 - Exchequer and Prerogative Courts of the Archbishop of York
3 - Court of the Peculiar of the Dean and Chapter of York
 
4 - Chancery Court of the Archbishop of York
 
5 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
 
|-
| Haile
| Court of the Archdeaconry of Richmond Western Deaneries - Copeland
| 2 - Exchequer and Prerogative Courts of the Archbishop of York
3 - Court of the Peculiar of the Dean and Chapter of York
 
4 - Chancery Court of the Archbishop of York
 
5 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
 
|-
| Harrington
| Court of the Archdeaconry of Richmond Western Deaneries - Copeland
| 2 - Exchequer and Prerogative Courts of the Archbishop of York
3 - Court of the Peculiar of the Dean and Chapter of York
 
4 - Chancery Court of the Archbishop of York
 
5 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
 
|-
| Hayton
| Court of the Bishop of Carlisle (Episcopal Consistory)
| 2 - Exchequer and Prerogative Courts of the Archbishop of York
3 - Court of the Peculiar of the Dean and Chapter of York
 
4 - Chancery Court of the Archbishop of York
 
5 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
 
|-
| Hayton (near Aspatria)
| Court of the Bishop of Carlisle (Episcopal Consistory)
| 2 - Exchequer and Prerogative Courts of the Archbishop of York
3 - Court of the Peculiar of the Dean and Chapter of York
 
4 - Chancery Court of the Archbishop of York
 
5 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
 
|-
| Hensingham
| Court of the Archdeaconry of Richmond Western Deaneries - Copeland
| 2 - Exchequer and Prerogative Courts of the Archbishop of York
3 - Court of the Peculiar of the Dean and Chapter of York
 
4 - Chancery Court of the Archbishop of York
 
5 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
 
|-
| Hesket in the Forest
| Court of the Bishop of Carlisle (Episcopal Consistory)
| 2 - Exchequer and Prerogative Courts of the Archbishop of York
3 - Court of the Peculiar of the Dean and Chapter of York
 
4 - Chancery Court of the Archbishop of York
 
5 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
 
|-
| Holme Cultram
| Court of the Bishop of Carlisle (Episcopal Consistory)
| 2 - Exchequer and Prerogative Courts of the Archbishop of York
3 - Court of the Peculiar of the Dean and Chapter of York
 
4 - Chancery Court of the Archbishop of York
 
5 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
 
|-
| Holme Eden
| Court of the Bishop of Carlisle (Episcopal Consistory)
| 2 - Exchequer and Prerogative Courts of the Archbishop of York
3 - Court of the Peculiar of the Dean and Chapter of York
 
4 - Chancery Court of the Archbishop of York
 
5 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
 
|-
| Holme Low
| Court of the Bishop of Carlisle (Episcopal Consistory)
| 2 - Exchequer and Prerogative Courts of the Archbishop of York
3 - Court of the Peculiar of the Dean and Chapter of York
 
4 - Chancery Court of the Archbishop of York
 
5 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
 
|-
| Houghton St John
| Court of the Bishop of Carlisle (Episcopal Consistory)
| 2 - Exchequer and Prerogative Courts of the Archbishop of York
3 - Court of the Peculiar of the Dean and Chapter of York
 
4 - Chancery Court of the Archbishop of York
 
5 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
 
|-
| Hutton in the Forest
| Court of the Bishop of Carlisle (Episcopal Consistory)
| 2 - Exchequer and Prerogative Courts of the Archbishop of York
3 - Court of the Peculiar of the Dean and Chapter of York
 
4 - Chancery Court of the Archbishop of York
 
5 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
 
|}

Latest revision as of 11:04, 21 May 2024

Cumberland Wiki Topics
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Beginning Research
Record Types
Cumberland 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 Cumberland. 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 Cumberland, follow these steps:

Step 1. Search Indexes

Before looking for a will, you should search a probate index. It will save time and give a reference to finding a copy of a will. A few indexes are mentioned here. Others indexes, especially if they only index the wills for one court, are mentioned on each court page.

Indexes are found in archives and in the FamilySearch Library. Click here to see a list of the library's holdings for indexes and wills. Films can be viewed in the Library or in a FamilySearch Center.

Did you find a reference to a will?

  • 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 Cumberland 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-H I-N O-T U-Z


Step 4. Obtain a copy of the probate record

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

Cumberland Probate Courts

The following ecclesiastical courts had some probate jurisdiction over the county of Cumberland prior to 1858. Click on a court name to learn more about its records, indexes and finding a probate for your ancestor. To determine which court, go to the Court Jurisdictions section above.


Some Explanatory Notes on the Cumberland Probate Courts

The original probate records are housed in one of four record offices in the following cities: Barrow, Kendall, Carlisle, and Whitehaven. Links to these offices are found on the Cumbria Archive Service site.

v • d• e
Links to Cumberland-related articles


v • d• e
England Probate Records by county
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