What are they?
Wills are documents written by an individual sometime before their death to provide for the division of their 'estate'.
Before the 16th Century up to 1857 wills were granted probate by the church courts. The principal court in Nottinghamshire was the Nottingham Archdeaconry Court but there were also several Peculiar Courts that had private jurisdiction over their areas. Some wills, especially of wealthier people, were proved by the Prerogative Court at York.
Probate records include bonds (binding executors to carry out the terms of the will) and letters of administration known as 'admons' which were issued if a will was not made. An inventory may also exist detailing the deceased person's 'goods and chattles' eg household goods, furniture farm stock, etc.
How do I find the will I want?
If it is a pre-1857 will:
- At Nottinghamshire Archives there is a card index for Nottinghamshire wills, arranged by name, in the search room
- Also at Nottinghamshire archives is a list of wills arranged by parish.
Many of these pre-1857 wills are on microfiche at Nottinghamshire Archives, and can be copied from the self-service fiche reader-printer. Copies from original wills can be ordered via the Archives 24-hour copying service.
If the will is post-1857 it will have been proved by civil probate courts. Nottinghamshire Archives have a number of resources to help you find the place and date of the will that you're looking for. Additionally, copies of post 1857 wills can be ordered online through the Probate Court Service.
