This detailed guide to Norfolk probate records provides links to where these records can be searched online. Before 11 January 1858, most wills were proved in church courts. In Norfolk a few early wills were registered in the borough courts of Norwich, King’s Lynn and Great Yarmouth and no ecclesiastical court functioned during the period, 1653-1660. There were three levels of church court each proving wills in Norfolk:
• The Prerogative Court of Canterbury which had overriding jurisdiction in the whole of England and Wales
• The Consistory Court of Norwich (the Bishop’s Court)
• The Archdeaconry and Peculiar courts. New
Helping you trace your family history in Australia and elsewhere
Helping you trace your family history in Australia and elsewhere