Court of the Bishop (Consistory) of the Commissary of the Archdeaconry of Richmond Western Deaneries - Kendal

England Westmorland Probate Records or Cumberland Probate Records

For a general explanation about probate records in England, click here.

Jurisdiction

Most of the parishes in this county are covered by this court. The earliest original will was proven in 1476. Registered copies wills are sparse.

Records

The Family History Library has the following on film. Films can be viewed in a family history center.

• Original wills, admons, and inventories, 1536-1858. There are some gaps in the span of years. Inventories rarely appear with the administration bonds after 1750.
  
• Registered copy wills, 1697-1731.
  
• Act books,1712-1857. Before 1733, they are written in Latin.
  

Indexes

The Family History Library has probate calendars, 1536-1720.