We have transcribed a large number of wills, administrations and inventories, almost all for England. An index to those documents can be accessed below. Please remember that the vast majority relate to the north of England and East Anglia, although there are now quite a few others from other parts of the country.

The wills have been transcribed as accurately as we are able, but there may be gaps where the original (or the film of the original) has been difficult to read or is damaged. Should that be the case, we can help you to find the appropriate archive so that you can purchase the original, as copyright laws mean that we cannot provide you with an image of that original document. All transcripts are copyright Lynne Hall and Alison France and must not be reproduced or used elsewhere without our express permission. Dates refer to the date of probate, not the date of death. There are now approximately 1700 transcribed wills and countless others we have read.

We have removed any charge for these documents now, but they have taken us many years to accumulate, not to mention the costs of procurement or the visits to archives. Please limit your requests in the first instance and, should you wish to have more, we would be delighted if you would consider a small donation to a charity.

Will transcripts: A-B C-E F-H I-L M-P R-T U-Z

On the links below we have listed all the wills we have seen and from which we have extracted details, mostly from the North East, North West and East Anglian regions of England, although there is now a short list from other areas. We can send details from many of these, but do not necessarily have full transcripts.

North East North West East Anglia Other Regions

............. I give and bequeath unto my Son John Armstrong, of Workington, Carpenter, the sum of five shillings. I also give and bequeath unto my Daughter Rachel, wife of George Armstrong of Langrigg...............

I give devise and bequeath unto my Son in Law George Sancton of Cockermouth aforesaid, Shalloon Weaver, and unto my Daughter Mary Sancton the wife of the said George Sancton all that messuage and dwelling house wherein I now live together with the Garden and all Appurtenances thereunto belonging........

The condition of this obligation is such that if the bounden Catherine Hunter, Widow, shall and do well and truly Execute and perform the last will and testament of William Hunter late of Inordale in the parish of St. Bees.....

Item, I give unto Mary the wife of Thomas Dodgshon of Ribton eleven yards of Linen cloth one brown waistcoat one Petticoat and one piece of Red stuffe.