Genealogy Chat

Am hoping to get a copy of mariner/coal merchant great, great grandfathers will. He owned lots of property and boats so am hoping it could be interesting..................... Please can someone confirm if I'm right to be sending a cheque off to York Probate Registry for £5?..........................He came from Knottingley/Pontefract..................................... Sorry have never done this before............................ Is this just for the search fee? ................................ How likely is it there will be a will? I've searched on National Archives site and nothing.................. Thanks for all your help

Post 1858 you do have to apply to York,not sure what happens if there isn't a will,i think they keep your dosh as a search fee. Nothing post 1858 will be on the NA website. Records of his maritime connections will be held at Kew,possibly some references in muster books and suchlike,stating which ships he may have served on etc,again not much online but the catalogues designated ADM are the seafarers records. Glen

Hi Ann Is there a website for York Probate Office please? Do they have a particular form to fill in? I'm in New Zealand and it would be easier if it was possible to pay by creditcard. If they have no website do you know the address to send to please? Thanks Sylvia

If you want to check first whether there was a will or not, you would need to examine the National Probate Calender, for a few years after his death. This is generally held at all County Record Offices. Otherwise, you pay your money and take your chances! Merry

Thanks all - useful. Now I'm torn between going down to my local records office to check the register first or risking my fiver! The address :.......................................................... Postal searches can be made through the Postal Searches and Copies Department, The Probate Registry, Castle Chambers, Clifford Street, York, YO1 9RG.......................... Maybe I'll have it by Christmas!!