Wills, Administrations, Probate and Inventories: Difference between revisions

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Also including other miscellaneous legal records.
==FIBIS resources==
==FIBIS resources==
 
*[http://fibis.ourarchives.online/bin/aps_browse_sources.php?mode=browse_components&id=153&s_id=139 Bengal Wills in the India Office Records] 1780 to 1866 Complete,  1867-1909 surnames beginning ‘A’ only.  
*[http://www.search.fibis.org/frontis/bin/aps_browse_sources.php?mode=browse_components&id=153&s_id=139 Bengal Wills in the India Office Records] 1780 to 1866 Complete,  1867-1909 surnames beginning ‘A’ only.  
*[http://fibis.ourarchives.online/bin/aps_browse_sources.php?mode=browse_components&id=158&s_id=139 Officers Wills in the India Office Records] an index and extract from the IOR series L/AG/34/30/30. The wills of only 37 officers are included. They cover all three presidencies over the years 1831 to 1875
*[http://www.search.fibis.org/frontis/bin/aps_browse_sources.php?mode=browse_components&id=158&s_id=139 Officers Wills in the India Office Records] an index and extract from the IOR series L/AG/34/30/30. The wills of only 37 officers are included. They cover all three presidencies over the years 1831 to 1875
*[http://fibis.ourarchives.online/bin/aps_browse_sources.php?mode=browse_components&id=13&s_id=30 Administration Act Books] Administrations relating to India 1764 to 1857
*[http://www.search.fibis.org/frontis/bin/aps_browse_sources.php?mode=browse_components&id=13&s_id=30 Administration Act Books] Administrations relating to India 1764 to 1857
*[http://fibis.ourarchives.online/bin/aps_browse_sources.php?mode=browse_components&id=14&s_id=30 Limited Administration Act Books] relating to India 1830 to 1839
*[http://www.search.fibis.org/frontis/bin/aps_browse_sources.php?mode=browse_components&id=14&s_id=30 Limited Administration Act Books] relating to India 1830 to 1839
*[https://fibis.ourarchives.online/bin/aps_browse_sources.php?mode=list_sources&source_class=441 Decrees of High Court of Chancery], London 1748-1881, as reported in the official ''London Gazette''.
*[https://fibis.ourarchives.online/bin/aps_browse_sources.php?mode=browse_components&id=1341&s_id=441  Patents - British India 1856-1890]
*Sylvia Murphy, "Some Sources of Probate and Estate Records for India," ''FIBIS Journal'', No 8 (Autumn 2002). For details of how to access this article online, see [[FIBIS Journals]].
*Sylvia Murphy, "Some Sources of Probate and Estate Records for India," ''FIBIS Journal'', No 8 (Autumn 2002). For details of how to access this article online, see [[FIBIS Journals]].
===Obtaining a copy of a will===
===Obtaining a copy of a will===
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To obtain a copy of a will indexed in the above FIBIS resources you have the following options:
To obtain a copy of a will indexed in the above FIBIS resources you have the following options:


* Copies of British India Office Wills & Probate 1774-1948 are available from [http://www.awin1.com/awclick.php?mid=2114&id=201071 findmypast]
* Copies of British India Office Wills & Probate 1774-1948 are available from [http://www.awin1.com/awclick.php?mid=2114&id=201071 Findmypast] (pay website)
* Contact the [[British Library]]
* Contact the [[British Library]]. A charge applies for a copy of a record, unless you visit personally.
* Order a LDS film (refer below) See [[Family History Centres]]. However, for most people findmypast would be more convenient.
* View a digitised FamilySearch microfilm (refer below). Free source if viewed at [[Family History Centres]]. Currently (2020/11) also available at Family Search Affiliate Libraries, '''some''' of which may charge visitor fees for non members.  However, for many people Findmypast may be geographically more convenient.
* [http://www.fibis.org/membership.htm FIBIS members] can also take advantage of the FIBIS research service to obtain a photocopy of a microfilmed will from the [[British Library]] (and, indeed, details from other records ) where a reference has been found on the website. A search can also be made for wills, probates and inventories which may not yet be listed online. Members should contact the research co-ordinator - [mailto:research@fibis.org research@fibis.org] - for details of this service.
* [http://www.fibis.org/membership.htm FIBIS members] can also take advantage of the FIBIS research service to obtain a photocopy of a microfilmed will from the [[British Library]] (and, indeed, details from other records ) where a reference has been found on the website. A search can also be made for wills, probates and inventories which may not yet be listed online. Members should contact the research co-ordinator - [mailto:research@fibis.org research@fibis.org] - for details of this service.


==Records==
==Records==
The [[British Library]] webpage [http://www.bl.uk/reshelp/findhelpregion/asia/india/indiaofficerecordsfamilyhistory/willsandadministrations/willsadmin.html Wills and Administration] lists sources in the [[India Office Records]].
The [[British Library]] webpage [https://web.archive.org/web/20180825042415/http://www.bl.uk/reshelp/findhelpregion/asia/india/indiaofficerecordsfamilyhistory/willsandadministrations/willsadmin.html Wills and Administration] (now archived) lists sources in the [[India Office Records]].


The records include [http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/a2a/records.aspx?cat=059-iorlag_4&cid=1-60#1-60 Wills, probates, administrations and inventories of estates of persons who died in India and Burma '''IOR/L/AG/34/29'''] which include
The records include Wills, probates, administrations and inventories of estates of persons who died in India and Burma '''IOR/L/AG/34/29'''  which include
*[http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/a2a/records.aspx?cat=059-iorlag_4&cid=1-60-2#1-60-2 Bengal wills '''IOR/L/AG/34/29/4-184'''] Calcutta Supreme/High Court
* Bengal wills '''IOR/L/AG/34/29/4-184''' Calcutta Supreme/High Court
*[http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/a2a/records.aspx?cat=059-iorlag_4&cid=1-60-3#1-60-3 Madras wills and administrations '''IOR/L/AG/34/29/185-340'''] Madras Supreme/High Court
* Madras wills and administrations '''IOR/L/AG/34/29/185-340''' Madras Supreme/High Court
*[http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/a2a/records.aspx?cat=059-iorlag_4&cid=1-60-4#1-60-4 Bombay wills and administrations '''IOR/L/AG/34/29/341-380'''] Bombay Supreme/High Court
* Bombay wills and administrations '''IOR/L/AG/34/29/341-380''' Bombay Supreme/High Court


These records, with images, are available for download on the [http://www.awin1.com/awclick.php?mid=2114&id=201071 findmypast] website.
These records, with images, are available for download on the [http://www.awin1.com/awclick.php?mid=2114&id=201071 findmypast] website.


Note that if you are searching for a person who lived outside of Calcutta and the other capitals, up-country, in the Mofussil, they will probably be found in the records of the District Courts, not the Supreme Courts. The District Court records start from 1865, as explained in this [http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/a2a/records.aspx?cat=059-iorlag_4&cid=1-65#1-65 summary of L/AG/34 contents].  The only information available in relation to wills proved in District Courts are the summaries of grants made which are contained in the District Court Calendars of Probate. Unlike wills proved in the Supreme Courts at Calcutta, Madras and Bombay, copies of the actual wills were not sent to the India Office in London. These records do NOT appear to have been digitised by FindMy Past. At this point (December 2009) it appears most likely that the Indian Courts, rather than  Regional State Archives in India would be most likely to hold the probated wills, if copies still exist. Details of  both these sources may be found in [[Indian Libraries and Archives]].
Note that if you are searching for a person who lived outside of Calcutta and the other capitals, up-country, in the Mofussil, they will probably be found in the records of the District Courts, not the Supreme Courts. The record series is '''IOR/L/AG/34/31'''. The District Court records start from 1865.  The only information available in relation to wills proved in District Courts are the summaries of grants made which are contained in the District Court Calendars of Probate. Unlike wills proved in the Supreme Courts at Calcutta, Madras and Bombay, copies of the actual wills were not sent to the India Office in London. These records do NOT appear to have been digitised by FindMy Past, but are available on [[FamilySearch]] digitised microfilm, refer below. At this point (December 2009) it appears most likely that the Indian Courts, rather than  Regional State Archives in India would be most likely to hold the probated wills, if copies still exist. Details of  both these sources may be found in [[Indian Libraries and Archives]].


Some wills proved in England relate to persons with links to India or, indeed,  those who have actually died in India. Maybe property was held at home and abroad and, therefore, the will was proved in both places. Where this happened before 1858 a will held in the British Library may also be mirrored in the Documents Online section of the National Archives website – from where it can be downloaded at nominal cost.  [http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/documentsonline/willsdeathduties.asp National Archives]. Both Ancestry and [[findmypast]] contain databases relating to wills prior to 1858. In Ancestry the databases are located in the collection Wills, Probates, Land, Tax & Criminal, while  in  findmypast  the databases are located in Birth, Marriage, Death & Parish Records/Wills & probate.  
Some wills proved in England relate to persons with links to India or, indeed,  those who have actually died in India. Maybe property was held at home and abroad and, therefore, the will was proved in both places. Where this happened before 1858, read the National Archives guide [http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/help-with-your-research/research-guides/wills-or-administrations-before-1858/ Wills or administrations before 1858]. Both Ancestry and [[findmypast]] contain databases relating to wills prior to 1858. In Ancestry the databases are located in the collection Wills, Probates, Land, Tax & Criminal, while  in  findmypast  the databases are located in Birth, Marriage, Death & Parish Records/Wills & probate. Note that the Ancestry images, which are done in grey-scales are considered much clearer to read than the National Archives images, which are available  only in black and white.<ref> Link no longer accessible. AdrianB38. "Need help in deciphering handwriting on will" ''Who Do You Think You Are? Forum'' February 07, 2017.
<nowiki>http://www.whodoyouthinkyouaremagazine.com/forum/topic14597.html#p51110</nowiki></ref>


For the period from 1858, [http://search.ancestry.co.uk/search/db.aspx?dbid=1904 England & Wales, National Probate Calendar (Index of Wills and Administrations), 1861-1941] is  available through Ancestry.co.uk. Note there are a few gaps in records.  
For the period from 1858, [http://search.ancestry.co.uk/search/db.aspx?dbid=1904 England & Wales, National Probate Calendar (Index of Wills and Administrations), 1858-1966, 1973-1995] is  available through Ancestry.co.uk. Note there are a few gaps in records.  
[[Findmypast]] also  has two related datasets of these  Index records called "Probate Calendars Of England & Wales 1858-1959" and "Probate Calendars Of England & Wales 1858-1959 - Browse", located under Birth, Marriage, Death & Parish Records/ Wills & probate.
[[Findmypast]] also  has two related datasets of these  Index records called "Probate Calendars Of England & Wales 1858-1959" and "Probate Calendars Of England & Wales 1858-1959 - Browse", located under Birth, Marriage, Death & Parish Records/ Wills & probate.
<br>If you wish to order a copy of a will or grant mentioned in this collection, you can do so for a fee, online from [https://probatesearch.service.gov.uk/#calendar  Find a will: GOV.UK], where you can search for the will or probate of any person in the UK who died between 1858 and 1996, and then order a copy online. Currently (March 2016) the website is a “Beta” (not finalized) version, and the Search appears inadequate. It is recommended that you find details from findmypast or Ancestry, then use the details to locate the record on GOV.UK, from where you can complete the details for an online request for the will.
<br>If you wish to order a copy of a will or grant mentioned in this collection, you can do so for a fee, online from [https://probatesearch.service.gov.uk/#calendar  Find a will: GOV.UK], where you can search for the will or probate of any person in the UK who died between 1858 and 1996, and then order a copy online. Currently (March 2016) the website is a “Beta” (not finalized) version, and the Search appears inadequate. It is recommended that you find details from findmypast or Ancestry, then use the details to locate the record on GOV.UK, from where you can complete the details for an online request for the will.
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*[[British Army#Soldiers’ wills|British Army - Soldiers’ wills]]
*[[British Army#Soldiers’ wills|British Army - Soldiers’ wills]]


==External Links==
==External links==
*[http://www.awin1.com/awclick.php?mid=2114&id=201071 findmypast]
*[http://www.awin1.com/awclick.php?mid=2114&id=201071 findmypast] Pay website.
*[http://www.familysearch.org/eng/library/fhlcatalog/supermainframeset.asp?display=titlehitlist&columns=*%2C0%2C0&keyword=+Probate+India&prekeyword=+Probate+India Microfilms in the Family History Library] - a list obtained by a keyword search ('probate, India') of filmed India Office records in the [[LDS]] (Mormon) Family History Library Catalogue.
*[https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/results?count=20&query=%2Bkeywords%3AProbate%20%2Bkeywords%3AIndia&page=1&availability=Online Digitised FamilySearch microfilms - a list obtained by a keyword search (probate India)] of filmed India Office records in the [[LDS]] (Mormon) FamilySearch catalogue.  Also see [[FamilySearch Centres]].
*[http://www.sog.org.uk/learn/help-getting-started-with-genealogy/guide-five Society of Genealogists: Guide Four: Probate Records] Edited and updated by Else Churchill and Geoff Swinfield 2015.
**Note in particular [https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/159352 Calendars of probate, 1865-1936] India. District Courts
:[http://www.sog.org.uk/uploads/Gillian_Stevens_and_Chad_Hanna_-Wills_and_Where_to_Find_Them.pdf Wills and Where to find them in England and Wales] by Gillian Stevens and Chad Hanna  sog.org.uk [http://www.sog.org.uk/learn/who-do-you-think-you-are-2013-speakers-handouts/  from upload] 2013. '''Note''': some information may have changed, see 2015 link, but some information is still valid.
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20210120164645/http://www.sog.org.uk/learn/help-getting-started-with-genealogy/guide-five/ Society of Genealogists: Guide Four: Probate Records] Edited and updated by Else Churchill and Geoff Swinfield, latest update 2020, now archived
:[https://web.archive.org/web/20200715051014/http://www.sog.org.uk/uploads/Gillian_Stevens_and_Chad_Hanna_-Wills_and_Where_to_Find_Them.pdf Wills and Where to find them in England and Wales] by Gillian Stevens and Chad Hanna  sog.org.uk. now archived, [https://web.archive.org/web/20210225135221/http://www.sog.org.uk/learn/who-do-you-think-you-are-2013-speakers-handouts/  from upload] 2013, now archived. '''Note''': some information may have changed, see 2020 link, but some information is still valid.
*[http://www.scotlandspeople.gov.uk/content/help/index.aspx?r=554&407 Wills & Testaments] ScotlandsPeople scotlandspeople.gov.uk. Free to search, pay to view. Scottish wills.
*[http://www.scotlandspeople.gov.uk/content/help/index.aspx?r=554&407 Wills & Testaments] ScotlandsPeople scotlandspeople.gov.uk. Free to search, pay to view. Scottish wills.
*[http://www.willcalendars.nationalarchives.ie/search/cwa/home.jsp Calendars of Wills and Administrations 1858 – 1920] National Archives of Ireland. Irish wills.
*[http://www.willcalendars.nationalarchives.ie/search/cwa/home.jsp Calendars of Wills and Administrations 1858 – 1920] National Archives of Ireland. Irish wills. Free records.
*[http://catalogue.jerseyheritage.org Jersey Heritage: Archives & Collections Online] Includes wills for persons with connections to India.  Download of an  image requires either an annual subscription, or pay per view.
*[http://catalogue.jerseyheritage.org Jersey Heritage: Archives & Collections Online] Includes wills for persons with connections to India, as Jersey was popular with retirees from India.  Download of an  image requires either an annual subscription, or pay per view.
 
==References==
<references/>


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[[Category:Records]]
[[Category:Records]]
[[Category:Research methods]]
[[Category:Research methods]]

Latest revision as of 07:10, 8 August 2024

Also including other miscellaneous legal records.

FIBIS resources

Obtaining a copy of a will

To obtain a copy of a will indexed in the above FIBIS resources you have the following options:

  • Copies of British India Office Wills & Probate 1774-1948 are available from Findmypast (pay website)
  • Contact the British Library. A charge applies for a copy of a record, unless you visit personally.
  • View a digitised FamilySearch microfilm (refer below). Free source if viewed at Family History Centres. Currently (2020/11) also available at Family Search Affiliate Libraries, some of which may charge visitor fees for non members. However, for many people Findmypast may be geographically more convenient.
  • FIBIS members can also take advantage of the FIBIS research service to obtain a photocopy of a microfilmed will from the British Library (and, indeed, details from other records ) where a reference has been found on the website. A search can also be made for wills, probates and inventories which may not yet be listed online. Members should contact the research co-ordinator - research@fibis.org - for details of this service.

Records

The British Library webpage Wills and Administration (now archived) lists sources in the India Office Records.

The records include Wills, probates, administrations and inventories of estates of persons who died in India and Burma IOR/L/AG/34/29 which include

  • Bengal wills IOR/L/AG/34/29/4-184 Calcutta Supreme/High Court
  • Madras wills and administrations IOR/L/AG/34/29/185-340 Madras Supreme/High Court
  • Bombay wills and administrations IOR/L/AG/34/29/341-380 Bombay Supreme/High Court

These records, with images, are available for download on the findmypast website.

Note that if you are searching for a person who lived outside of Calcutta and the other capitals, up-country, in the Mofussil, they will probably be found in the records of the District Courts, not the Supreme Courts. The record series is IOR/L/AG/34/31. The District Court records start from 1865. The only information available in relation to wills proved in District Courts are the summaries of grants made which are contained in the District Court Calendars of Probate. Unlike wills proved in the Supreme Courts at Calcutta, Madras and Bombay, copies of the actual wills were not sent to the India Office in London. These records do NOT appear to have been digitised by FindMy Past, but are available on FamilySearch digitised microfilm, refer below. At this point (December 2009) it appears most likely that the Indian Courts, rather than Regional State Archives in India would be most likely to hold the probated wills, if copies still exist. Details of both these sources may be found in Indian Libraries and Archives.

Some wills proved in England relate to persons with links to India or, indeed, those who have actually died in India. Maybe property was held at home and abroad and, therefore, the will was proved in both places. Where this happened before 1858, read the National Archives guide Wills or administrations before 1858. Both Ancestry and findmypast contain databases relating to wills prior to 1858. In Ancestry the databases are located in the collection Wills, Probates, Land, Tax & Criminal, while in findmypast the databases are located in Birth, Marriage, Death & Parish Records/Wills & probate. Note that the Ancestry images, which are done in grey-scales are considered much clearer to read than the National Archives images, which are available only in black and white.[1]

For the period from 1858, England & Wales, National Probate Calendar (Index of Wills and Administrations), 1858-1966, 1973-1995 is available through Ancestry.co.uk. Note there are a few gaps in records. Findmypast also has two related datasets of these Index records called "Probate Calendars Of England & Wales 1858-1959" and "Probate Calendars Of England & Wales 1858-1959 - Browse", located under Birth, Marriage, Death & Parish Records/ Wills & probate.
If you wish to order a copy of a will or grant mentioned in this collection, you can do so for a fee, online from Find a will: GOV.UK, where you can search for the will or probate of any person in the UK who died between 1858 and 1996, and then order a copy online. Currently (March 2016) the website is a “Beta” (not finalized) version, and the Search appears inadequate. It is recommended that you find details from findmypast or Ancestry, then use the details to locate the record on GOV.UK, from where you can complete the details for an online request for the will.

Keep in mind that men who retired in India, and their families, could remain in India, or return to the UK (England, Scotland Wales, and Ireland), or relocate to, and eventually die, anywhere in the world, including Australia, New Zealand etc. Areas close to the UK which were popular with retirees include France and the Channel Islands including Jersey.

Also see

External links

Wills and Where to find them in England and Wales by Gillian Stevens and Chad Hanna sog.org.uk. now archived, from upload 2013, now archived. Note: some information may have changed, see 2020 link, but some information is still valid.

References

  1. Link no longer accessible. AdrianB38. "Need help in deciphering handwriting on will" Who Do You Think You Are? Forum February 07, 2017. http://www.whodoyouthinkyouaremagazine.com/forum/topic14597.html#p51110