Explore the Atlantic with this indispensable compilation of English will abstracts, church records, and passenger lists. Primarily consisting of English summaries, this resource can link your American forebears to their English origins, featuring 141,000 individuals.
English source documents aid in investigating an American settler's English heritage, bridging the divide between generations and continents. Notably, several volumes present here collectively constitute a thorough resource for American wills authenticated in London from the early 1600s to the late 1700s. English wills are a significant genealogical asset, often listing relatives and their locations, relatives who moved to the colonies, address details, and insights about the deceased's life and traits. The details from these records can assist in establishing familial links and gauging the economic standing of your ancestors.
Growing prevalent from the mid-1500s, wills initially received validation from the recognized English church, typically through local courts. In more intricate situations, the Prerogative Court of Canterbury (PCC) held the final authority. For instance, the PCC authenticated all wills for individuals who passed away overseas while owning property in England, making PCC records exceptionally vital for those looking to trace connections between England and America. This resource offers outstanding access to PCC documents pertaining to American wills.