Great Orphan's Books, Mayor of Bristol
For a general explanation about England probate records, click here.
Step By Step
- Look at the "Records" section below to determine what probate records exist for you.
- If you find reference to a will of interest to you, obtain a copy either by writing to England or by viewing it on microfilm at the FamilySearch Library or through a FamilySearch center.
- If no reference of interest is found, search the records of the Court of the Bishop of Gloucester. If you are looking for a will after 1776, you should also check the Bishop's court.
Indexes
Indexes Online
- A calendar of wills proved in the consistory court of the Bishop of Bristol, 1572-1792
- A calendar of wills in the great orphan books, 1379-1674
- Goucestershire Wills Index online
- Bristol City Wills Indices 1781-1858
Printed and Published Indexes
Records
Archive Locations
Bristol Record Office 'B' Bond Warehouse Smeaton Road Bristol BS1 6XN
Tel: 0117 922 4224
Fax: 0117 922 4236
Email: bro@bristol.gov.uk
The records for this court are housed in the Bristol City Record Office.
Archive Records
Add information about the manuscript, printed and digital records in this location.
Registered Wills 1379-1674
Probate or Copy Wills 1261-1828
FamilySearch Library Records
Notes or abstracts of the wills
Recognizance of orphans, 1333-1700
Juridiction
By Royal Letters Patent 12th Jan 1331, Edward III granted to the Mayor of Bristol power to take recognisance for the proper security of orphans estates.