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Sub-fonds

Testamentary

Catalogue reference: DCb/K

What’s it about?

This record is about the Testamentary.

Is it available online?

Maybe, but not on The National Archives website. This record is held at Kent History and Library Centre.

Can I see it in person?

Not at The National Archives, but you may be able to view it in person at Kent History and Library Centre.

Full description and record details

Reference

DCb/K

Title

Testamentary

Description
Description available at other catalogue level
Related material

<p>See also DCb/PRC</p>

Held by
Kent History and Library Centre
Language

English

Administrative / biographical background

Before 1858 the proving of wills and related testamentary business came under the jurisdiction of courts administered by the church. The court with over-riding jurisdiction in England and Wales was the Prerogative Court of Canterbury (PCC).

The Diocese of Canterbury had its bishop's or consistory court which had jurisdiction throughout the whole diocese. Archdeacon's courts were limited to the boundaries of the Archdeaconry and jurisdiction was often suspended for part of the year during visitations (visits made by the Archdeacon or his official to persons and places in the Archdeaconry with a view of maintaining faith and discipline) when business was transferred to the bishop's court. Since 1858, following the Court of Probate Act 1857, the proving of wills has been carried out by a network of Civil Courts called Probate Registries and a registered copy of the will has been sent to the Principal Probate Registry in London.

Record URL
https://beta.nationalarchives.gov.uk/catalogue/id/5bb62607-8ee7-4d8c-b7d5-b16ceba44ce7/

Catalogue hierarchy

236,709 records

This record is held at Kent History and Library Centre

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Within the fonds: DCb

Diocese of Canterbury

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Testamentary