References to American Colonists in English Wills

England 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.

London

• 1621-1646 - Commissary Court of London. Read by Leslie Mahler.

Middlesex

• 1622-1642, 1660-1667 - Peculiar of the Dean and Chapter of Westminster. 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.