Chancery Court of the Archbishop of York

Yorkshire Probate Records

Jurisdiction
There is some confusion between the Chancery Court and the Consistory Court. Since the Consistory Court of York left no known probate records, it is presumed that any references to it under the subject of probates refer to instead to the Chancery Court. Apparently there are no registered copy wills or surviving act books for the Chancery Court of York.

The Chancery Court of York was the appeals court in the province of York.

The court also had jurisdiction during archiepiscopal visitations and over beneficed clergy in the diocese of York. Registered copies of wills and probate acts relating to the beneficed clergy are found in the Archbisops' Registers, 1316-1858; grants of probate and administration are entered in the Chancery act books.

Records
The records of this court are held in the Borthwick Institute of Historical Research.

The Family History Library has copies of the wills, admons and inventories, 1427-1858. Films can be viewed in the library or in a family history center.

Indexes
The Family History Library has indexes and calendars, 1427-1857, on film. The indexes are not complete for every year. They can be viewed in the library or in one of the family history centers worldwide.


 * 1427-1658
 * 1660-1714
 * 1808-1858