Using the Wills Index
You can search this index of over 38,000 entries to see what Archdeaconry of Berkshire wills, administrations and inventories we have for the period 1480 to 1857.
The difference between these records.
Wills
This is the most common record in which an individual sets out their intentions as to what should happen to their possessions after death and to appoint executors.
Administrations (admons):
If a person died without making a will (intestate), the court had to appoint people to administer the estate and issued letters of administration. The appointed persons would then enter an administration bond to carry out various tasks. However, they do not reveal anything about actual possessions unless an inventory is included.
Inventories
This was made as a true record of the extent and value of the deceased’s estate and often included debts as well as possessions.
It’s also worth noting that sometimes, all that survives is a registered copy of a probate record, which is a hand written version in a bound volume.
How to use the wills index:
The index is listed by surname, but also provides details of place name and occupation as well the document reference of the record and what microfilm/fiche (MF) copies we have.
You can search all fields or just for names by using the search boxes below.
If you would like to look at or order copies of any of the records listed, please Contact Us.
Sort By:
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Name
- ZELYS, John
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Place Name
- Newbury
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Occupation
- Draper
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Year
- 1531
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Reference
- D/A1/1/157
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MF Copy
- MF10042
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Name
- ZINZAN, Alexander
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Place Name
- Easthampstead
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Occupation
-
Year
- 1623
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Reference
- D/A1/142/099
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MF Copy
- MF556
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Name
- ZUGLER, Mark
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Place Name
- Ardington
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Occupation
- Vicar
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Year
- 1674
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Reference
- D/A1/143/71Â
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MF Copy
- MF556