Wills Index

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.

Let's explain 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.

To use the Name Search simply enter the name as surname, first name. For example: Blackmore, Dennis.

You can also search by surname only or first name only.

For place names or occupations please use the Keyword Search.

If you would like to look at or order copies of any of the records listed, please Contact Us.

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Name Place Name Occupation Year BRO Ref MF Copy
NUTTE, JohnEnglefield1625D/A1/101/160MF573
NUTTE, WilliamReading St Mary1537D/A1/6/105MF10043B
NUTTING, JohnAshbury1597D/A1/13/182MF10049
NUTTINGE, JohnAshbury1597D/A1/205/189MF96073
NYCKOLLS, StephenNorth Hinksey, CumnorHusbandman1559D/A1/101/017 D/A1/8/027MF573 MF10043C
NYCOL , RobertEast Garston1564D/A1/101/046 D/A1/8/328MF573 MF10043C
NYCOLES, RichardSteventon1561D/A1/101/037 D/A1/7/330MF573 MF10040
NYCOLLYS, JohnHinksey, Cumnor1551D/A1/4/119 D/A1/5/126 D/A1/233/393MF604 MF10043A MF96132
NYGHTYNGALE, JohnStratfield Mortimer1540D/A1/1/203MF10042
NYGHTYNGALE, RobertNewbury1557D/A1/2/281MF604
NYGTHYNGALE, RobertNewbury1557D/A1/233/163MF96132
NYKOLL, AnnyHamstead 1540D/A1/233/208MF96132
NYKOLLES, AnnysHamstead Marshall1540D/A1/3/090MF604
NYTINGALE, RobertNewbury1578D/A1/101/067MF573