References to American Colonists in English Wills

England Gotoarrow.png England Probate Records

Wills in England are often used by Americans to trace the origins of their colonial ancestors. In the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, several scholars read Prerogative Court of Canterbury wills seeking references to American colonists. Genealogists are now investigating other probate courts for these references. Here is a list of wills that have been read:

Essex

• 1605-1665 - Archdeaconry Court of Essex. Read by Leslie Mahler.

Norfolk

• 1600-1648 - Archdeaconry Court of Norfolk. Read by Leslie Mahler.
• 1600-1651 - Consistory Court of Norwich. Read by Leslie Mahler.