Westmorland 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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{| 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
|-
| Ambleside
| Court of the Bishop (Consistory) of the Commissary of the Archdeaconry of Richmond Western Deaneries - Kendal
| 2 - Exchequer and Prerogative Courts of the Archbishop of York
3 - Chancery Court of the Archbishop of York
 
4 - Court of the Peculiar of the Dean and Chapter of York
 
5 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
 
|-
| Appleby St Laurence
| 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
 
|-
| Appleby St Michael
| 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
''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 Westmorland. See [[England Probate Records]] for a general description of probate records in England.


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


|-
Beginning in 1858, the [[Principal Probate Registry|Principal Probate Registry]] had the authority for probating estates. Click on the link to learn more.
| Applethwaite
| Court of the Bishop (Consistory) of the Commissary of the Archdeaconry of Richmond Western Deaneries - Kendal
| 2 - Exchequer and Prerogative Courts of the Archbishop of York
3 - Chancery Court of the Archbishop of York


4 - Court of the Peculiar of the Dean and Chapter 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 — index
*'''1858-1995''' [https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/1904/ England & Wales, National Probate Calendar (Index of Wills and Administrations), 1858-1995] at Ancestry
*'''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


|-
=== Before 1858  ===
| Asby
| 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 Westmorland, follow these steps:


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


|-
Here are some online indexes to probate records that include individuals who lived in Westmorland. Search these indexes first:
| Askham
| 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
*Search [https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/62474/ an index of wills and related documents covering Lancashire north of the Ribble, and parts of Cumberland, Westmorland and Yorkshire, 1748-1858.] $ Specifically, it indexes all surviving probate documents for the Western Deaneries of the Archdeaconry of Richmond, 1748-1858. The deaneries included Kendal which had jurisdiction over roughly the southern half of the old county of Westmorland. An index reference includes name and occupation of the deceased, place of residence, Deanery, date of probate, and type of probate document. (The index, from the Institute of Local and Family History at the University of Central Lancashire, is only available to members and requires membership to view it, which can be obtained by contacting the Institute through an email link.  Surname only and place name only lists are available for free but do not give any information to help you locate a will.) 


5 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
*Search [https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/61519/ Westmorland, England: Parish and Probate Records]. $ This index, available from Ancestry.com, is a collection of parish and probate records in England and Wales, from the 1500s to the 1800s. It includes extracts of other types of records including wills. To view the index results, you must have a membership to Ancestry.com or have access to it through the FamilySearch Library or a FamilySearch center near you.


|-
Did you find a reference to a probate record?
| Bampton
| 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. 
| Barbon
| Court of the Bishop (Consistory) of the Commissary of the Archdeaconry of Richmond Western Deaneries - Kendal
| 2 - Exchequer and Prerogative Courts of the Archbishop of York
3 - Chancery Court of the Archbishop of York


4 - Court of the Peculiar of the Dean and Chapter 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/maps/ Vision of Britain]


|-
The gazetteer will either tell you:
| Barton
| 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
*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'''.
| Beetham
| Court of the Bishop (Consistory) of the Commissary of the Archdeaconry of Richmond Western Deaneries - Kendal
| 2 - Exchequer and Prerogative Courts of the Archbishop of York
3 - Chancery Court of the Archbishop of York


4 - Court of the Peculiar of the Dean and Chapter 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 Westmorland 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 and follow the instructions on the next screen.


{| cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1" width="454" border="1"
|-
|-
| Bolton
|     [[Westmorland Probate Jurisdictions for Places Beginning with A|A]]
| Court of the Bishop of Carlisle (Episcopal Consistory)
|   [[Westmorland Probate Jurisdictions for Parishes Beginning with B|B]]
| 2 - Exchequer and Prerogative Courts of the Archbishop of York
|   [[Westmorland Probate Jurisdictions for Parishes Beginning with C|C]]
3 - Court of the Peculiar of the Dean and Chapter of York
| [[Westmorland Probate Jurisdictions for Parishes Beginning with D through G|D-G]]
 
| [[Westmorland Probate Jurisdictions for Parishes Beginning with H|H]]
4 - Chancery Court of the Archbishop of York
|   [[Westmorland Probate Jurisdictions for Parishes Beginning with K|K]]
 
| [[Westmorland Probate Jurisdictions for Parishes Beginning with L|L]]
5 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
|  [[Westmorland Probate Jurisdictions for Parishes Beginning with M|M]]
 
|  [[Westmorland Probate Jurisdictions for Places Beginning with N through R|N-R]]
|-
|  [[Westmorland Probate Jurisdictions for Places Beginning with S|S]]
| Brough under Stainmore
|  [[Westmorland Probate Jurisdictions for Places Beginning with T through Z|T-Z]]
| 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
 
|-
| Brougham
| 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
 
|-
| Burneside
| Court of the Bishop (Consistory) of the Commissary of the Archdeaconry of Richmond Western Deaneries - Kendal
| 2 - Exchequer and Prerogative Courts of the Archbishop of York
3 - Chancery Court of the Archbishop of York
 
4 - Court of the Peculiar of the Dean and Chapter of York
 
5 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
 
|-
| Burton in Kendal
| Court of the Bishop (Consistory) of the Commissary of the Archdeaconry of Richmond Western Deaneries - Kendal
| 2 - Exchequer and Prerogative Courts of the Archbishop of York
3 - Chancery Court of the Archbishop of York
 
4 - Court of the Peculiar of the Dean and Chapter of York
 
5 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
 
|-
| Cliburn
| 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
 
|-
| Clifton
| 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
 
|-
| Crook
| Court of the Bishop (Consistory) of the Commissary of the Archdeaconry of Richmond Western Deaneries - Kendal
| 2 - Exchequer and Prerogative Courts of the Archbishop of York
3 - Chancery Court of the Archbishop of York
 
4 - Court of the Peculiar of the Dean and Chapter of York
 
5 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
 
|-
| Crosby Garrett
| 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 Ravensworth
| 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
 
|-
| Crosscrake
| Court of the Bishop (Consistory) of the Commissary of the Archdeaconry of Richmond Western Deaneries - Kendal
| 2 - Exchequer and Prerogative Courts of the Archbishop of York
3 - Chancery Court of the Archbishop of York
 
4 - Court of the Peculiar of the Dean and Chapter of York
 
5 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
 
|-
| Crosthwaite
| Court of the Bishop (Consistory) of the Commissary of the Archdeaconry of Richmond Western Deaneries - Kendal
| 2 - Exchequer and Prerogative Courts of the Archbishop of York
3 - Chancery Court of the Archbishop of York
 
4 - Court of the Peculiar of the Dean and Chapter of York
 
5 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
 
|-
| Dufton
| 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
 
|-
| Firbank
| Court of the Bishop (Consistory) of the Commissary of the Archdeaconry of Richmond Western Deaneries - Kendal
| 2 - Exchequer and Prerogative Courts of the Archbishop of York
3 - Chancery Court of the Archbishop of York
 
4 - Court of the Peculiar of the Dean and Chapter of York
 
5 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
 
|-
| Grasmere
| Court of the Bishop (Consistory) of the Commissary of the Archdeaconry of Richmond Western Deaneries - Kendal
| 2 - Exchequer and Prerogative Courts of the Archbishop of York
3 - Chancery Court of the Archbishop of York
 
4 - Court of the Peculiar of the Dean and Chapter of York
 
5 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
 
|-
| Grayrigg
| Court of the Bishop (Consistory) of the Commissary of the Archdeaconry of Richmond Western Deaneries - Kendal
| 2 - Exchequer and Prerogative Courts of the Archbishop of York
3 - Chancery Court of the Archbishop of York
 
4 - Court of the Peculiar of the Dean and Chapter of York
 
5 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
 
|-
| Helsington
| Court of the Bishop (Consistory) of the Commissary of the Archdeaconry of Richmond Western Deaneries - Kendal
| 2 - Exchequer and Prerogative Courts of the Archbishop of York
3 - Chancery Court of the Archbishop of York
 
4 - Court of the Peculiar of the Dean and Chapter of York
 
5 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
 
|-
| Heversham
| Court of the Bishop (Consistory) of the Commissary of the Archdeaconry of Richmond Western Deaneries - Kendal
| 2 - Exchequer and Prerogative Courts of the Archbishop of York
3 - Chancery Court of the Archbishop of York
 
4 - Court of the Peculiar of the Dean and Chapter of York
 
5 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
 
|-
| Holme
| Court of the Bishop (Consistory) of the Commissary of the Archdeaconry of Richmond Western Deaneries - Kendal
| 2 - Exchequer and Prerogative Courts of the Archbishop of York
3 - Chancery Court of the Archbishop of York
 
4 - Court of the Peculiar of the Dean and Chapter of York
 
5 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
 
|-
| Hugill
| Court of the Bishop (Consistory) of the Commissary of the Archdeaconry of Richmond Western Deaneries - Kendal
| 2 - Exchequer and Prerogative Courts of the Archbishop of York
3 - Chancery Court of the Archbishop of York
 
4 - Court of the Peculiar of the Dean and Chapter of York
 
5 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
 
|-
| Hutton Roof
| Court of the Bishop (Consistory) of the Commissary of the Archdeaconry of Richmond Western Deaneries - Kendal
| 2 - Exchequer and Prerogative Courts of the Archbishop of York
3 - Chancery Court of the Archbishop of York
 
4 - Court of the Peculiar of the Dean and Chapter of York
 
5 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
 
|-
| Hutton, New
| Court of the Bishop (Consistory) of the Commissary of the Archdeaconry of Richmond Western Deaneries - Kendal
| 2 - Exchequer and Prerogative Courts of the Archbishop of York
3 - Chancery Court of the Archbishop of York
 
4 - Court of the Peculiar of the Dean and Chapter of York
 
5 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
 
|-
| Hutton, Old
| Court of the Bishop (Consistory) of the Commissary of the Archdeaconry of Richmond Western Deaneries - Kendal
| 2 - Exchequer and Prerogative Courts of the Archbishop of York
3 - Chancery Court of the Archbishop of York
 
4 - Court of the Peculiar of the Dean and Chapter of York
 
5 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
 
|-
| Kendal
| Court of the Bishop (Consistory) of the Commissary of the Archdeaconry of Richmond Western Deaneries - Kendal
| 2 - Exchequer and Prerogative Courts of the Archbishop of York
3 - Chancery Court of the Archbishop of York
 
4 - Court of the Peculiar of the Dean and Chapter of York
 
5 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
 
|-
| Kendal St George
| Court of the Bishop (Consistory) of the Commissary of the Archdeaconry of Richmond Western Deaneries - Kendal
| 2 - Exchequer and Prerogative Courts of the Archbishop of York
3 - Chancery Court of the Archbishop of York
 
4 - Court of the Peculiar of the Dean and Chapter of York
 
5 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
 
|-
| Kendal St Thomas
| Court of the Bishop (Consistory) of the Commissary of the Archdeaconry of Richmond Western Deaneries - Kendal
| 2 - Exchequer and Prerogative Courts of the Archbishop of York
3 - Chancery Court of the Archbishop of York
 
4 - Court of the Peculiar of the Dean and Chapter of York
 
5 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
 
|-
| Kentmere
| Court of the Bishop (Consistory) of the Commissary of the Archdeaconry of Richmond Western Deaneries - Kendal
| 2 - Exchequer and Prerogative Courts of the Archbishop of York
3 - Chancery Court of the Archbishop of York
 
4 - Court of the Peculiar of the Dean and Chapter of York
 
5 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
 
|-
| Killington
| Court of the Bishop (Consistory) of the Commissary of the Archdeaconry of Richmond Western Deaneries - Kendal
| 2 - Exchequer and Prerogative Courts of the Archbishop of York
3 - Chancery Court of the Archbishop of York
 
4 - Court of the Peculiar of the Dean and Chapter of York
 
5 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
 
|-
| Kirkby Lonsdale
| Court of the Bishop (Consistory) of the Commissary of the Archdeaconry of Richmond Western Deaneries - Kendal
| 2 - Exchequer and Prerogative Courts of the Archbishop of York
3 - Chancery Court of the Archbishop of York
 
4 - Court of the Peculiar of the Dean and Chapter of York
 
5 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
 
|-
| Kirkby Stephen
| 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
==== Step 4. Find a copy of the probate record ====


|-
Indexes give information that will enable you to obtain a copy of the probate record. The original records are located at the Westmorland Archive Centre at Kendal, which offers a research service if you are unable to visit the centre.
| Kirkby Thore
| 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
*{{FSC|477078|subject_id|disp=Westmorland 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.
:::[http://www.cumbria.gov.uk/archives/recordoffices/knrec.asp Cumbria Archive Centre, Kendal]<br>
:::Kendal County Offices<br>
:::Kendal<br>
:::LA9 4RQ<br>
:::Tel:01539 713540 or 713539<br>
:::Fax:01539 773538<br>
:::Email: [mailto:kendal.archives@cumbriacc.gov.uk kendal.archives@cumbriacc.gov.uk]


5 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
== Westmorland Probate Courts  ==


|-
The pre-1858 courts that had jurisdiction over the county were:<br>
| Langdale
| Court of the Bishop (Consistory) of the Commissary of the Archdeaconry of Richmond Western Deaneries - Kendal
| 2 - Exchequer and Prerogative Courts of the Archbishop of York
3 - Chancery Court of the Archbishop of York


4 - Court of the Peculiar of the Dean and Chapter of York
*[[Court of the Bishop (Consistory) of the Commissary of the Archdeaconry of Richmond Western Deaneries - Kendal]]
*[[Court of the Bishop of Carlisle (Episcopal Consistory)]]
*[[Court of the Peculiar of the Manor of Ravenstonedale]]
*[[Court of the Peculiar of the Manor of Temple Sowerby]]<br>
*[[Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury]]


5 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
<br>


|-
=== Some Explanatory Notes on the Westmorland Probate Courts ===
| Levens
| Court of the Bishop (Consistory) of the Commissary of the Archdeaconry of Richmond Western Deaneries - Kendal
| 2 - Exchequer and Prerogative Courts of the Archbishop of York
3 - Chancery Court of the Archbishop of York


4 - Court of the Peculiar of the Dean and Chapter of York
Westmorland was almost evenly divided between the jurisdiction of the Consistory Court of Carlisle and the jurisdictions of the Archdeaconry Court of Richmond and three manorial courts. Apparently, reference to part of the Westmorland belonging to the pre-Reformation Diocese of Lichfield and Coventry are unfounded.


5 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
The Archdeaconry of Richmond was part of the Diocese of York until 1541 and thereafter the Diocese of Chester. Evidently, the Diocese of Chester never exercised superior jurisdiction over Richmond in probate matters. The probates granted by the Archdeaconry Court of Richmond were usually filed under the name of the deanery in which the testator resided.


|-
<br>
| Longsleddale
| Court of the Bishop (Consistory) of the Commissary of the Archdeaconry of Richmond Western Deaneries - Kendal
| 2 - Exchequer and Prerogative Courts of the Archbishop of York
3 - Chancery Court of the Archbishop of York


4 - Court of the Peculiar of the Dean and Chapter of York
{{Place|Westmorland}}


5 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
[[Category:Westmorland Probate Records|Probate]]
 
|-
| Lowther
| 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
 
|-
| Lupton
| Court of the Bishop (Consistory) of the Commissary of the Archdeaconry of Richmond Western Deaneries - Kendal
| 2 - Exchequer and Prerogative Courts of the Archbishop of York
3 - Chancery Court of the Archbishop of York
 
4 - Court of the Peculiar of the Dean and Chapter of York
 
5 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
 
|-
| Mallerstang
| 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
 
|-
| Mansergh
| Court of the Bishop (Consistory) of the Commissary of the Archdeaconry of Richmond Western Deaneries - Kendal
| 2 - Exchequer and Prerogative Courts of the Archbishop of York
3 - Chancery Court of the Archbishop of York
 
4 - Court of the Peculiar of the Dean and Chapter of York
 
5 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
 
|-
| Mardale
| 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
 
|-
| Martindale
| 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
 
|-
| Marton, Long
| 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
 
|-
| Middleton
| Court of the Bishop (Consistory) of the Commissary of the Archdeaconry of Richmond Western Deaneries - Kendal
| 2 - Exchequer and Prerogative Courts of the Archbishop of York
3 - Chancery Court of the Archbishop of York
 
4 - Court of the Peculiar of the Dean and Chapter of York
 
5 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
 
|-
| Milburn
| 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
 
|-
| Milnthorpe
| Court of the Bishop (Consistory) of the Commissary of the Archdeaconry of Richmond Western Deaneries - Kendal
| 2 - Exchequer and Prerogative Courts of the Archbishop of York
3 - Chancery Court of the Archbishop of York
 
4 - Court of the Peculiar of the Dean and Chapter of York
 
5 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
 
|-
| Morland
| 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
 
|-
| Musgrave, Great
| 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
 
|-
| Natland
| Court of the Bishop (Consistory) of the Commissary of the Archdeaconry of Richmond Western Deaneries - Kendal
| 2 - Exchequer and Prerogative Courts of the Archbishop of York
3 - Chancery Court of the Archbishop of York
 
4 - Court of the Peculiar of the Dean and Chapter of York
 
5 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
 
|-
| Newbiggin [St Edmund]  
| 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
 
|-
| Ormside
| 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
 
|-
| Orton
| 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
 
|-
| Patterdale
| 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
 
|-
| Preston Patrick
| Court of the Bishop (Consistory) of the Commissary of the Archdeaconry of Richmond Western Deaneries - Kendal
| 2 - Exchequer and Prerogative Courts of the Archbishop of York
3 - Chancery Court of the Archbishop of York
 
4 - Court of the Peculiar of the Dean and Chapter of York
 
5 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
 
|-
| Ravenstonedale
| Court of the Peculiar of the Manor of Ravenstonedale
| 2 - Court of the Bishop of Carlisle (Episcopal Consistory)
3 - Exchequer and Prerogative Courts of the Archbishop of York
 
4 - Court of the Peculiar of the Dean and Chapter of York
 
5 - Chancery Court of the Archbishop of York
 
6 - Court of the Prerogative of the Archbishop of Canterbury
 
|-
| Rydal and Loughrigg
| Court of the Bishop (Consistory) of the Commissary of the Archdeaconry of Richmond Western Deaneries - Kendal
| 2 - Exchequer and Prerogative Courts of the Archbishop of York
3 - Chancery Court of the Archbishop of York
 
4 - Court of the Peculiar of the Dean and Chapter of York
 
5 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
 
|-
| Selside
| Court of the Bishop (Consistory) of the Commissary of the Archdeaconry of Richmond Western Deaneries - Kendal
| 2 - Exchequer and Prerogative Courts of the Archbishop of York
3 - Chancery Court of the Archbishop of York
 
4 - Court of the Peculiar of the Dean and Chapter of York
 
5 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
 
|-
| Shap
| 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
 
|-
| Skelsmergh
| Court of the Bishop (Consistory) of the Commissary of the Archdeaconry of Richmond Western Deaneries - Kendal
| 2 - Exchequer and Prerogative Courts of the Archbishop of York
3 - Chancery Court of the Archbishop of York
 
4 - Court of the Peculiar of the Dean and Chapter of York
 
5 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
 
|-
| Smardale
| 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
 
|-
| Soulby
| 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
 
|-
| Sowerby, Temple
| Court of the Peculiar of the Manor of Temple Sowerby
| 2 - Court of the Bishop of Carlisle (Episcopal Consistory)
3 - Exchequer and Prerogative Courts of the Archbishop of York
 
4 - Court of the Peculiar of the Dean and Chapter of York
 
5 - Chancery Court of the Archbishop of York
 
6 - Court of the Prerogative of the Archbishop of Canterbury
 
|-
| Stainmore
| 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
 
|-
| Staveley
| Court of the Bishop (Consistory) of the Commissary of the Archdeaconry of Richmond Western Deaneries - Kendal
| 2 - Exchequer and Prerogative Courts of the Archbishop of York
3 - Chancery Court of the Archbishop of York
 
4 - Court of the Peculiar of the Dean and Chapter of York
 
5 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
 
|-
| Swindale
| 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
 
|-
| Thrimby
| 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
 
|-
| Troutbeck
| Court of the Bishop (Consistory) of the Commissary of the Archdeaconry of Richmond Western Deaneries - Kendal
| 2 - Exchequer and Prerogative Courts of the Archbishop of York
3 - Chancery Court of the Archbishop of York
 
4 - Court of the Peculiar of the Dean and Chapter of York
 
5 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
 
|-
| Underbarrow
| Court of the Bishop (Consistory) of the Commissary of the Archdeaconry of Richmond Western Deaneries - Kendal
| 2 - Exchequer and Prerogative Courts of the Archbishop of York
3 - Chancery Court of the Archbishop of York
 
4 - Court of the Peculiar of the Dean and Chapter of York
 
5 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
 
|-
| Warcop
| 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
 
|-
| Windermere
| Court of the Bishop (Consistory) of the Commissary of the Archdeaconry of Richmond Western Deaneries - Kendal
| 2 - Exchequer and Prerogative Courts of the Archbishop of York
3 - Chancery Court of the Archbishop of York
 
4 - Court of the Peculiar of the Dean and Chapter of York
 
5 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
 
|-
| Winster
| Court of the Bishop (Consistory) of the Commissary of the Archdeaconry of Richmond Western Deaneries - Kendal
| 2 - Exchequer and Prerogative Courts of the Archbishop of York
3 - Chancery Court of the Archbishop of York
 
4 - Court of the Peculiar of the Dean and Chapter of York
 
5 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
 
|-
| Witherslack
| Court of the Bishop (Consistory) of the Commissary of the Archdeaconry of Richmond Western Deaneries - Kendal
| 2 - Exchequer and Prerogative Courts of the Archbishop of York
3 - Chancery Court of the Archbishop of York
 
4 - Court of the Peculiar of the Dean and Chapter of York
 
5 - Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury
 
|}

Latest revision as of 11:52, 14 March 2024

Westmorland Wiki Topics
File:Flag_of_Westmorland.png
Beginning Research
Record Types
Westmorland 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 Westmorland. 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 Westmorland, follow these steps:

Step 1. Search Indexes[edit | edit source]

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

  • Search an index of wills and related documents covering Lancashire north of the Ribble, and parts of Cumberland, Westmorland and Yorkshire, 1748-1858. $ Specifically, it indexes all surviving probate documents for the Western Deaneries of the Archdeaconry of Richmond, 1748-1858. The deaneries included Kendal which had jurisdiction over roughly the southern half of the old county of Westmorland. An index reference includes name and occupation of the deceased, place of residence, Deanery, date of probate, and type of probate document. (The index, from the Institute of Local and Family History at the University of Central Lancashire, is only available to members and requires membership to view it, which can be obtained by contacting the Institute through an email link.  Surname only and place name only lists are available for free but do not give any information to help you locate a will.) 
  • Search Westmorland, England: Parish and Probate Records. $ This index, available from Ancestry.com, is a collection of parish and probate records in England and Wales, from the 1500s to the 1800s. It includes extracts of other types of records including wills. To view the index results, you must have a membership to Ancestry.com or have access to it through the FamilySearch Library or a FamilySearch center near you.

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 Westmorland 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 and follow the instructions on the next screen.

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

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

Indexes give information that will enable you to obtain a copy of the probate record. The original records are located at the Westmorland Archive Centre at Kendal, which offers a research service if you are unable to visit the centre.

Cumbria Archive Centre, Kendal
Kendal County Offices
Kendal
LA9 4RQ
Tel:01539 713540 or 713539
Fax:01539 773538
Email: kendal.archives@cumbriacc.gov.uk

Westmorland Probate Courts[edit | edit source]

The pre-1858 courts that had jurisdiction over the county were:


Some Explanatory Notes on the Westmorland Probate Courts[edit | edit source]

Westmorland was almost evenly divided between the jurisdiction of the Consistory Court of Carlisle and the jurisdictions of the Archdeaconry Court of Richmond and three manorial courts. Apparently, reference to part of the Westmorland belonging to the pre-Reformation Diocese of Lichfield and Coventry are unfounded.

The Archdeaconry of Richmond was part of the Diocese of York until 1541 and thereafter the Diocese of Chester. Evidently, the Diocese of Chester never exercised superior jurisdiction over Richmond in probate matters. The probates granted by the Archdeaconry Court of Richmond were usually filed under the name of the deanery in which the testator resided.


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