Oxfordshire Probate Records: Difference between revisions

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For an explanation of probate records in England, click [[England Probate Records|here]].
{{Oxfordshire-sidebar}}{{breadcrumb
| link1=[[England Genealogy|England]]
| link2=[[Oxfordshire, England Genealogy|Oxfordshire]]
| link3=
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| link5=[[Oxfordshire_Probate_Records|Probate Records]]
}}


{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5" width="95%" align="center" border="1"
== Getting Started  ==
|-
! style="background: #ffdead" width="15%" | PARISH
! style="background: #ffdead" width="40%" | PRIMARY COURT
! style="background: #ffdead" width="40%" | SECONDARY COURTS - IN SEARCH ORDER
|-
| Adderbury with Milton
| Courts of the Bishop (Episcopal Consistory) and the Archdeaconry of Oxford
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Adwell
| Courts of the Bishop (Episcopal Consistory) and the Archdeaconry of Oxford
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Albury
| Courts of the Bishop (Episcopal Consistory) and the Archdeaconry of Oxford
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Alkerton
| Courts of the Bishop (Episcopal Consistory) and the Archdeaconry of Oxford
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Alvescot
| Courts of the Bishop (Episcopal Consistory) and the Archdeaconry of Oxford
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Ambrosden
| Courts of the Bishop (Episcopal Consistory) and the Archdeaconry of Oxford
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Ardley
| Courts of the Bishop (Episcopal Consistory) and the Archdeaconry of Oxford
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Ascott-under-Wychwood
| Courts of the Bishop (Episcopal Consistory) and the Archdeaconry of Oxford
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Asthall
| Courts of the Bishop (Episcopal Consistory) and the Archdeaconry of Oxford
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Aston Rowant
| Courts of the Bishop (Episcopal Consistory) and the Archdeaconry of Oxford
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Aston, North
| Courts of the Bishop (Episcopal Consistory) and the Archdeaconry of Oxford
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Aston, Steeple
| Courts of the Bishop (Episcopal Consistory) and the Archdeaconry of Oxford
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Attington
| Search the courts of the surrounding parishes
| .
|-
| Baldon, Marsh
| Court of the Peculiar of Dorchester;
Court of the Peculiar of Banbury;
 
Court of the Peculiar of Aylesbury


| Court of the Peculiar of Dorchester
''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 Oxfordshire. See [[England Probate Records]] for a general description of probate records in England.
2 - Court of the Peculiar of Banbury


3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
=== 1858 to the Present  ===


Court of the Peculiar of Banbury
Beginning in 1858, the [[Principal Probate Registry|Principal Probate Registry]] had the authority for probating estates. Click on the link to learn more.


2 - Court of the Peculiar of Aylesbury
==== Online Records ====


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


4 - Court of the Bishop of Lincoln (Episcopal Consistory)
=== Before 1858  ===


5 - 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 Oxfordshire, follow these steps:


Court of the Peculiar of Aylesbury
==== Step 1. Search Indexes  ====


2 - Court of the Peculiar of the Dean and Chapter of Lincoln
Here are some online indexes to probate records that include individuals who lived in Oxfordshire. Search these indexes first:


3 - Court of the Bishop of Lincoln (Episcopal Consistory)  
*[http://search.findmypast.co.uk/search-world-Records/oxfordshire-wills-index-1516-1857?_ga=1.208941586.141134231.1415381737 Oxfordshire Wills Index 1516-1857] at Findmypast (£)
*[http://wills.oxfordshirefhs.org.uk/ Oxfordshire Transcribed Wills] by the Oxfordshire Family History Society


4 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
Also check:


|-
*[https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/help-with-your-research/research-guides/wills-or-administrations-before-1858/%7C Prerogative Court of Canterbury wills (1384 - 1858)]
| Baldon, Toot
| Court of the Peculiar of Dorchester;
Court of the Peculiar of Banbury;


Court of the Peculiar of Aylesbury
See also indexes on the individual court pages. Did you find a reference to a probate record?


| Court of the Peculiar of Dorchester
*If ''yes'', go to '''Step 4''' below.
2 - Court of the Peculiar of Banbury
*If ''no'', go to '''Step 2''' below.


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


Court of the Peculiar of Banbury
Determine ''when'' your ancestor died. If you aren't sure, use an approximate date. 


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


3 - Court of the Peculiar of the Dean and Chapter of Lincoln
*[https://www.visionofbritain.org.uk/descriptions/index.jsp Vision of Britain]


4 - Court of the Bishop of Lincoln (Episcopal Consistory)
The gazetteer will either tell you:


5 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
*A place is a parish, or
*What parish it is a part of, or
*What place it is near.


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


2 - Court of the Peculiar of the Dean and Chapter of Lincoln
Once you have identified the parish, go to '''Step 3'''.


3 - Court of the Bishop of Lincoln (Episcopal Consistory)
==== Step 3. Identify court jurisdictions by parish  ====


4 - 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 Oxfordshire 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.


{| style="width: 201px; height: 24px" border="1" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1" width="201"
|-
|-
| Bampton Aston with Shifford
|  [[Oxfordshire Probate Jurisdictions Parishes A through C|A-C]]
| Courts of the Bishop (Episcopal Consistory) and the Archdeaconry of Oxford
|  [[Oxfordshire Probate Jurisdictions Parishes D through K|D-K]]
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|  [[Oxfordshire Probate Jurisdictions Parishes L through R|L-R]]
|-
|  [[Oxfordshire Probate Jurisdictions Parishes S through Z|S-Z]]
| Bampton Lew
|}
| Courts of the Bishop (Episcopal Consistory) and the Archdeaconry of Oxford
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Bampton Proper
| Courts of the Bishop (Episcopal Consistory) and the Archdeaconry of Oxford
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Banbury
| Court of the Peculiar of Banbury;  
Court of the Peculiar of Aylesbury
 
| Court of the Peculiar of Banbury
2 - Court of the Peculiar of Aylesbury
 
3 - Court of the Peculiar of the Dean and Chapter of Lincoln
 
4 - Court of the Bishop of Lincoln (Episcopal Consistory)
 
5 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
 
Court of the Peculiar of Aylesbury
 
2 - Court of the Peculiar of the Dean and Chapter of Lincoln
 
3 - Court of the Bishop of Lincoln (Episcopal Consistory)
 
4 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
 
|-
| Banbury, South
| Court of the Peculiar of Banbury;
Court of the Peculiar of Aylesbury


| Court of the Peculiar of Banbury
<br>
2 - Court of the Peculiar of Aylesbury


3 - Court of the Peculiar of the Dean and Chapter of Lincoln
==== Step 4. Obtain a copy of the probate record  ====


4 - Court of the Bishop of Lincoln (Episcopal Consistory)
Once you have found an index reference to a probate, obtain a copy of the record. Do so by one of these methods:


5 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
*{{FSC|438968|subject_id|disp=Oxfordshire 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.


Court of the Peculiar of Aylesbury
== Oxfordshire Probate Courts ==
 
2 - Court of the Peculiar of the Dean and Chapter of Lincoln
 
3 - Court of the Bishop of Lincoln (Episcopal Consistory)
 
4 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
 
|-
| Barford St John
| Courts of the Bishop (Episcopal Consistory) and the Archdeaconry of Oxford
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Barford St Michael
| Courts of the Bishop (Episcopal Consistory) and the Archdeaconry of Oxford
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Barton, Steeple
| Courts of the Bishop (Episcopal Consistory) and the Archdeaconry of Oxford
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Barton, Westcote
| Courts of the Bishop (Episcopal Consistory) and the Archdeaconry of Oxford
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Beckley
| Courts of the Bishop (Episcopal Consistory) and the Archdeaconry of Oxford
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Begbroke
| Courts of the Bishop (Episcopal Consistory) and the Archdeaconry of Oxford
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Benson
| Court of the Peculiar of Dorchester;
Court of the Peculiar of Banbury
 
| Court of the Peculiar of Dorchester
2 - Court of the Peculiar of Banbury
 
3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
 
Court of the Peculiar of Banbury
 
2 - Court of the Peculiar of Aylesbury
 
3 - Court of the Peculiar of the Dean and Chapter of Lincoln
 
4 - Court of the Bishop of Lincoln (Episcopal Consistory)
 
5 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
 
|-
| Berrick Salome
| Courts of the Bishop (Episcopal Consistory) and the Archdeaconry of Oxford
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Bicester
| Courts of the Bishop (Episcopal Consistory) and the Archdeaconry of Oxford
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Binsey
| Courts of the Bishop (Episcopal Consistory) and the Archdeaconry of Oxford
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Bix
| Courts of the Bishop (Episcopal Consistory) and the Archdeaconry of Oxford
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Bladon
| Courts of the Bishop (Episcopal Consistory) and the Archdeaconry of Oxford
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Blenheim Park
| Search the courts of the surrounding parishes
| .
|-
| Bletchingdon
| Courts of the Bishop (Episcopal Consistory) and the Archdeaconry of Oxford
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Bloxham
| Courts of the Bishop (Episcopal Consistory) and the Archdeaconry of Oxford
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Bodicote
| Courts of the Bishop (Episcopal Consistory) and the Archdeaconry of Oxford
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Bourton
| Court of the Peculiar of Banbury;
Court of the Peculiar of Aylesbury
 
| Court of the Peculiar of Banbury
2 - Court of the Peculiar of Aylesbury
 
3 - Court of the Peculiar of the Dean and Chapter of Lincoln
 
4 - Court of the Bishop of Lincoln (Episcopal Consistory)
 
5 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
 
Court of the Peculiar of Aylesbury
 
2 - Court of the Peculiar of the Dean and Chapter of Lincoln
 
3 - Court of the Bishop of Lincoln (Episcopal Consistory)
 
4 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
 
|-
| Bourton, Black
| Courts of the Bishop (Episcopal Consistory) and the Archdeaconry of Oxford
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Bradwell
| Courts of the Bishop (Episcopal Consistory) and the Archdeaconry of Oxford
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Brightwell Baldwin
| Courts of the Bishop (Episcopal Consistory) and the Archdeaconry of Oxford
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Britwell Prior
| Court of the Peculiar of Monks Risborough;
Court of the Peculiar of Banbury;
 
Court of the Peculiar of Aylesbury
 
| Court of the Peculiar of Monks Risborough
2 - Court of the Peculiar of Banbury
 
3 - Court of the Peculiar of Aylesbury
 
4 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
 
Court of the Peculiar of Banbury
 
2 - Court of the Peculiar of Aylesbury
 
3 - Court of the Peculiar of the Dean and Chapter of Lincoln
 
4 - Court of the Bishop of Lincoln (Episcopal Consistory)
 
5 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
 
Court of the Peculiar of Aylesbury
 
2 - Court of the Peculiar of the Dean and Chapter of Lincoln
 
3 - Court of the Bishop of Lincoln (Episcopal Consistory)
 
4 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
 
|-
| Britwell Salome
| Courts of the Bishop (Episcopal Consistory) and the Archdeaconry of Oxford
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Broughton
| Courts of the Bishop (Episcopal Consistory) and the Archdeaconry of Oxford
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Broughton Poggs
| Courts of the Bishop (Episcopal Consistory) and the Archdeaconry of Oxford
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Bruern
| Search the courts of the surrounding parishes
|
|-
| Bucknell
| Courts of the Bishop (Episcopal Consistory) and the Archdeaconry of Oxford
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Burford
| Courts of the Bishop (Episcopal Consistory) and the Archdeaconry of Oxford
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Cassington
| Courts of the Bishop (Episcopal Consistory) and the Archdeaconry of Oxford
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Caversfield
| Court of the Archdeaconry of Buckingham
| 2 - Pre-1845: Court of the Bishop of Lincoln (Episcopal Consistory)
2 - Post-1844: Courts of the Bishop (Episcopal Consistory) and Archdeaconry of Oxford
 
3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
 
|-
| Caversham
| Courts of the Bishop (Episcopal Consistory) and the Archdeaconry of Oxford
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Chalgrove
| Courts of the Bishop (Episcopal Consistory) and the Archdeaconry of Oxford
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Charlbury
| Courts of the Bishop (Episcopal Consistory) and the Archdeaconry of Oxford
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Charlton-on-Otmoor
| Courts of the Bishop (Episcopal Consistory) and the Archdeaconry of Oxford
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Chastleton
| Courts of the Bishop (Episcopal Consistory) and the Archdeaconry of Oxford
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Checkendon
| Courts of the Bishop (Episcopal Consistory) and the Archdeaconry of Oxford
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Chesterton
| Courts of the Bishop (Episcopal Consistory) and the Archdeaconry of Oxford
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Chinnor
| Courts of the Bishop (Episcopal Consistory) and the Archdeaconry of Oxford
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Clanfield
| Courts of the Bishop (Episcopal Consistory) and the Archdeaconry of Oxford
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Clattercot
| Search the courts of the surrounding parishes
| .
|-
| Claydon with Mollington
| Court of the Peculiar of Banbury;
Court of the Peculiar of Aylesbury
 
| Court of the Peculiar of Banbury
2 - Court of the Peculiar of Aylesbury
 
3 - Court of the Peculiar of the Dean and Chapter of Lincoln
 
4 - Court of the Bishop of Lincoln (Episcopal Consistory)
 
5 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
 
Court of the Peculiar of Aylesbury
 
2 - Court of the Peculiar of the Dean and Chapter of Lincoln
 
3 - Court of the Bishop of Lincoln (Episcopal Consistory)
 
4 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
 
|-
| Clifton Hampden
| Court of the Peculiar of Dorchester;
Court of the Peculiar of Banbury
 
| Court of the Peculiar of Dorchester
2 - Court of the Peculiar of Banbury
 
3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
 
Court of the Peculiar of Banbury
 
2 - Court of the Peculiar of Aylesbury
 
3 - Court of the Peculiar of the Dean and Chapter of Lincoln
 
4 - Court of the Bishop of Lincoln (Episcopal Consistory)
 
5 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
 
|-
| Cogges
| Courts of the Bishop (Episcopal Consistory) and the Archdeaconry of Oxford
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Combe
| Courts of the Bishop (Episcopal Consistory) and the Archdeaconry of Oxford
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Cornbury Park
| Search the courts of the surrounding parishes
| .
|-
| Cornwell
| Courts of the Bishop (Episcopal Consistory) and the Archdeaconry of Oxford
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Cottisford
| Courts of the Bishop (Episcopal Consistory) and the Archdeaconry of Oxford
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Cowley
| Courts of the Bishop (Episcopal Consistory) and the Archdeaconry of Oxford
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Crawley
| Courts of the Bishop (Episcopal Consistory) and the Archdeaconry of Oxford
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Cropredy
| Court of the Peculiar of Banbury;
Court of the Peculiar of Aylesbury
 
| Court of the Peculiar of Banbury
2 - Court of the Peculiar of Aylesbury
 
3 - Court of the Peculiar of the Dean and Chapter of Lincoln
 
4 - Court of the Bishop of Lincoln (Episcopal Consistory)
 
5 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
 
Court of the Peculiar of Aylesbury
 
2 - Court of the Peculiar of the Dean and Chapter of Lincoln
 
3 - Court of the Bishop of Lincoln (Episcopal Consistory)
 
4 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
 
|-
| Crowell
| Courts of the Bishop (Episcopal Consistory) and the Archdeaconry of Oxford
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Crowmarsh Gifford
| Courts of the Bishop (Episcopal Consistory) and the Archdeaconry of Oxford
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Cuddesdon
| Courts of the Bishop (Episcopal Consistory) and the Archdeaconry of Oxford
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Cutteslowe
| Search the courts of the surrounding parishes
|
|-
| Cuxham
| Courts of the Bishop (Episcopal Consistory) and the Archdeaconry of Oxford
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Deddington
| Courts of the Bishop (Episcopal Consistory) and the Archdeaconry of Oxford
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Denton
| Courts of the Bishop (Episcopal Consistory) and the Archdeaconry of Oxford
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Dorchester
| Court of the Peculiar of Dorchester;
Court of the Peculiar of Banbury
 
| Court of the Peculiar of Dorchester
2 - Court of the Peculiar of Banbury
 
3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
 
Court of the Peculiar of Banbury
 
2 - Court of the Peculiar of Aylesbury
 
3 - Court of the Peculiar of the Dean and Chapter of Lincoln
 
4 - Court of the Bishop of Lincoln (Episcopal Consistory)
 
5 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
 
|-
| Drayton
| Courts of the Bishop (Episcopal Consistory) and the Archdeaconry of Oxford
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Drayton St Leonard
| Court of the Peculiar of Dorchester;
Court of the Peculiar of Banbury;
 
Court of the Peculiar of Aylesbury
 
| Court of the Peculiar of Dorchester
2 - Court of the Peculiar of Banbury
 
3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
 
Court of the Peculiar of Banbury
 
2 - Court of the Peculiar of Aylesbury
 
3 - Court of the Peculiar of the Dean and Chapter of Lincoln
 
4 - Court of the Bishop of Lincoln (Episcopal Consistory)
 
5 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
 
Court of the Peculiar of Aylesbury
 
2 - Court of the Peculiar of the Dean and Chapter of Lincoln
 
3 - Court of the Bishop of Lincoln (Episcopal Consistory)
 
4 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
 
|-
| Ducklington
| Courts of the Bishop (Episcopal Consistory) and the Archdeaconry of Oxford
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Dunsden
| Pre-1847 - Court of the Peculiar of the Dean of Salisbury;
Post-1846 - Court of the Archdeaconry of Berkshire
 
| Pre-1847:
2 - Court of the Bishop of Salisbury (Episcopal Consistory)
 
3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
 
Post-1846:
 
2 - Courts of the Bishop (Episcopal Consistory) and Archdeaconry of Oxford
 
3 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
 
|-
| Easington
| Courts of the Bishop (Episcopal Consistory) and the Archdeaconry of Oxford
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Elsfield
| Courts of the Bishop (Episcopal Consistory) and the Archdeaconry of Oxford
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Emmington
| Courts of the Bishop (Episcopal Consistory) and the Archdeaconry of Oxford
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Enstone
| Courts of the Bishop (Episcopal Consistory) and the Archdeaconry of Oxford
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Ewelme
| Courts of the Bishop (Episcopal Consistory) and the Archdeaconry of Oxford
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Eynsham
| Courts of the Bishop (Episcopal Consistory) and the Archdeaconry of Oxford
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Fifield
| Courts of the Bishop (Episcopal Consistory) and the Archdeaconry of Oxford
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Finmere
| Courts of the Bishop (Episcopal Consistory) and the Archdeaconry of Oxford
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Forest Hill
| Courts of the Bishop (Episcopal Consistory) and the Archdeaconry of Oxford
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Fringford
| Courts of the Bishop (Episcopal Consistory) and the Archdeaconry of Oxford
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Fritwell
| Courts of the Bishop (Episcopal Consistory) and the Archdeaconry of Oxford
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Garsington
| Courts of the Bishop (Episcopal Consistory) and the Archdeaconry of Oxford
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Glympton
| Courts of the Bishop (Episcopal Consistory) and the Archdeaconry of Oxford
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Godington
| Courts of the Bishop (Episcopal Consistory) and the Archdeaconry of Oxford
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Goring
| Courts of the Bishop (Episcopal Consistory) and the Archdeaconry of Oxford
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Hailey
| Courts of the Bishop (Episcopal Consistory) and the Archdeaconry of Oxford
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Hampton Gay
| Courts of the Bishop (Episcopal Consistory) and the Archdeaconry of Oxford
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Hampton Poyle
| Courts of the Bishop (Episcopal Consistory) and the Archdeaconry of Oxford
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Hanborough
| Courts of the Bishop (Episcopal Consistory) and the Archdeaconry of Oxford
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Hanwell
| Courts of the Bishop (Episcopal Consistory) and the Archdeaconry of Oxford
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Hardwick
| Courts of the Bishop (Episcopal Consistory) and the Archdeaconry of Oxford
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Hardwick-cum-Tusmore
| Courts of the Bishop (Episcopal Consistory) and the Archdeaconry of Oxford
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Harpsden
| Courts of the Bishop (Episcopal Consistory) and the Archdeaconry of Oxford
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Haseley, Great
| Courts of the Bishop (Episcopal Consistory) and the Archdeaconry of Oxford
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Headington
| Courts of the Bishop (Episcopal Consistory) and the Archdeaconry of Oxford
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Headington Quarry
| Courts of the Bishop (Episcopal Consistory) and the Archdeaconry of Oxford
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Henley-on-Thames
| Courts of the Bishop (Episcopal Consistory) and the Archdeaconry of Oxford
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Hethe
| Courts of the Bishop (Episcopal Consistory) and the Archdeaconry of Oxford
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Heyford Warren
| Courts of the Bishop (Episcopal Consistory) and the Archdeaconry of Oxford
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Heyford, Lower
| Courts of the Bishop (Episcopal Consistory) and the Archdeaconry of Oxford
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Heythrop
| Courts of the Bishop (Episcopal Consistory) and the Archdeaconry of Oxford
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Highmore
| Courts of the Bishop (Episcopal Consistory) and the Archdeaconry of Oxford
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Holton
| Courts of the Bishop (Episcopal Consistory) and the Archdeaconry of Oxford
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Holwell
| Courts of the Bishop (Episcopal Consistory) and the Archdeaconry of Oxford
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Horley
| Court of the Peculiar of Banbury;
Court of the Peculiar of Aylesbury
 
| Court of the Peculiar of Banbury
2 - Court of the Peculiar of Aylesbury
 
3 - Court of the Peculiar of the Dean and Chapter of Lincoln
 
4 - Court of the Bishop of Lincoln (Episcopal Consistory)
 
5 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
 
Court of the Peculiar of Aylesbury
 
2 - Court of the Peculiar of the Dean and Chapter of Lincoln
 
3 - Court of the Bishop of Lincoln (Episcopal Consistory)
 
4 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
 
|-
| Hornton
| Court of the Peculiar of Banbury;
Court of the Peculiar of Aylesbury
 
| Court of the Peculiar of Banbury
2 - Court of the Peculiar of Aylesbury
 
3 - Court of the Peculiar of the Dean and Chapter of Lincoln
 
4 - Court of the Bishop of Lincoln (Episcopal Consistory)
 
5 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
 
Court of the Peculiar of Aylesbury
 
2 - Court of the Peculiar of the Dean and Chapter of Lincoln
 
3 - Court of the Bishop of Lincoln (Episcopal Consistory)
 
4 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
 
|-
| Horspath
| Courts of the Bishop (Episcopal Consistory) and the Archdeaconry of Oxford
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Horton cum Studley
| Courts of the Bishop (Episcopal Consistory) and the Archdeaconry of Oxford
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Idbury
| Courts of the Bishop (Episcopal Consistory) and the Archdeaconry of Oxford
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Iffley
| Courts of the Bishop (Episcopal Consistory) and the Archdeaconry of Oxford
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Ipsden
| Courts of the Bishop (Episcopal Consistory) and the Archdeaconry of Oxford
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Islip
| Courts of the Bishop (Episcopal Consistory) and the Archdeaconry of Oxford
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Kelmscot
| Courts of the Bishop (Episcopal Consistory) and the Archdeaconry of Oxford
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Kencot
| Courts of the Bishop (Episcopal Consistory) and the Archdeaconry of Oxford
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Kiddington
| Courts of the Bishop (Episcopal Consistory) and the Archdeaconry of Oxford
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Kidlington
| Courts of the Bishop (Episcopal Consistory) and the Archdeaconry of Oxford
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Kingham
| Courts of the Bishop (Episcopal Consistory) and the Archdeaconry of Oxford
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|-
| Kirtlington
| Courts of the Bishop (Episcopal Consistory) and the Archdeaconry of Oxford
| 2 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|}


===  ===
Most of&nbsp;Oxfordshire was under the pre-1858 probate jurisdiction of the combined&nbsp;[[Courts of the Bishop (Episcopal Consistory) and Archdeaconry of Oxford]]. The majority of probate searches will be in the records of this court and its superior courts. However, the following courts also had some pre-1858 jurisdiction within the county. Click on a court name to learn about records and indexes.


=== Post-1857 Probate Records  ===
*[[Court of the Archdeaconry of Buckingham|Court of the Archdeaconry of Buckingham]]
*[[Court of the Bishop of Gloucester (Episcopal Consistory)|Court of the Bishop of Gloucester]]
*[[Court of the Bishop of Lincoln|Court of the Bishop of Lincoln]]
*[[Court of the Bishop of Worcester|Court of the Bishop of Worcester]]
*[[Court of the Bishop of Hereford|Court of the Bishop of Hereford]]
*[[Court of the Peculiar Parish of Banbury|Court of the Peculiar Parish of Banbury]]
*[[Court of the Peculiar Parish of Langford|Court of the Peculiar Parish of Langford]]
*[[Court of the Peculiar Parish of Dorchester|Court of the Peculiar Parish of Dorchester]]
*[[Court of the Peculiar Parish of Monks Risborough|Court of the Peculiar Parish of Monks Risborough]]
*[[Court of the Peculiar Parish of Thame]]
*[[Court of the Peculiar of the Dean and Chapter of Lincoln]]
*[[Court of the Manor of Sibford|Court of the Manor of Sibford]]
*[[Court of the Chancellor of the University of Oxford|Court of the Chancellor of the University of Oxford]]
*[[Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury]]


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].  
The [http://www.origins.net/help/helpNWI-oxf.aspx Origins Network] has an index to Oxfordshire Peculiars for 1547-1856.<br>


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:Oxfordshire Probate Records|Probate]]  


[[Category:England|England]]
The Oxfordshire Family&nbsp; Society has [http://wills.oxfordshirefhs.org.uk/index.html transcribed wills ]online on their website.

Latest revision as of 16:36, 19 July 2023

Oxfordshire Wiki Topics
File:Flag_of_Oxfordshire_500px.png
Beginning Research
Record Types
Oxfordshire Background
Local Research Resources

Getting Started[edit | edit source]

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 Oxfordshire. See England Probate Records for a general description of probate records in England.

1858 to the Present[edit | edit source]

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

Online Records[edit | edit source]

Before 1858[edit | edit source]

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

Step 1. Search Indexes[edit | edit source]

Here are some online indexes to probate records that include individuals who lived in Oxfordshire. Search these indexes first:

Also check:

See also indexes on the individual court pages. 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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

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 Oxfordshire 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-C  D-K  L-R  S-Z


Step 4. Obtain a copy of the probate record[edit | edit source]

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

Oxfordshire Probate Courts[edit | edit source]

Most of Oxfordshire was under the pre-1858 probate jurisdiction of the combined Courts of the Bishop (Episcopal Consistory) and Archdeaconry of Oxford. The majority of probate searches will be in the records of this court and its superior courts. However, the following courts also had some pre-1858 jurisdiction within the county. Click on a court name to learn about records and indexes.

The Origins Network has an index to Oxfordshire Peculiars for 1547-1856.

The Oxfordshire Family  Society has transcribed wills online on their website.

To access available information, first log into FamilySearch.

Due to contractual agreements, some images and/or databases on FamilySearch.org may only be viewed at a FamilySearch Center or FamilySearch Affiliate Library.

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