Wills and Probate Resources
Benefits of the Wills Beneficiary Index (WBI)
July 31, 2018
Wills can be a wonderful source of information for family historians. The WBI, centred on Hampshire, contains the names of people that have been extracted by volunteers from many of the wills that are held in the HRO. – read more…
Will of John Biggnall of Kingston
May 19, 2017
Can an early will help with family trees John Biggnall The early registers for both Portsmouth parishes have disappeared. Later 17 Century registers are not always complete. Trying to trace early families on Portsea Island can be difficult but early wills may help. John BIGGNALL of Kingston wrote his will on 8 February 1684/5 and […] – read more…
How wills can help your family history research
June 6, 2013
Wills are a valuable resource for family historians. See how HGS researcher Roy Montgomery used an old will to reveal new information about a Hampshire shopkeeper. – read more…
Wills and an explanation of Probate Courts
February 21, 2013
A Short Guide to Wills and an explanation of the Probate Courts. Wills are a good starting place for family historians who are looking to fill out their family tree with more personal detail. – read more…
Wills and How to Find Them
January 30, 2013
Searching for wills can prove a daunting prospect for some family historians and yet the wealth of information they contain make them an invaluable tool. The HGS help guides can help beginners and experts alike, unwrap some of the mysteries surrounding Wills – read more…