South
Derbyshire Wills Collection by
Brett Payne, of Tauranga, New Zealand
For those of
us who are interested in researching both genealogy and family history,
wills and other probate documents often provide very useful clues to the
lives of the people mentioned therein. They are most commonly employed
by genealogists to prove lines of descent, but may also reveal valuable
information about collateral lines and relationships with other families.
It's unlikely that you'll find that clue to the missing fortune spoken
about in the family legend, but you may well discover some very interesting
aspects relating to your ancestors. This can often be used by family
historians to good effect in filling out the flesh of stories that otherwise
might be a mere collection of dates.
I'm
developing a collection of will transcripts for people who either lived
and died in South Derbyshire, or had strong links with parishes
within this area. If you have a South Derbyshire or related will
that you'd like to share, I'd be happy to include it on this site.
If you're having trouble deciphering a will, send me a scan (or a photocopy)
and I'll have a bash at it.
