Essex Wills Beneficiaries Index

[Susan48]

Although Peter mentioned this index becoming available on Findmypast a couple of years ago I only used it for the first time yesterday. The name I was searching for appeared as a beneficiary of a will created in Colchester in 1733/34, along with 3 others with the same surname. All names looked promising for my research. There was an Archive Reference included in the record "CR14 465", but no indication which archive this referred to. I tried Seax, but no luck, so this morning I contacted Findmypast using their live chat facility. The response was instant and helpful, but they could not answer my question. Apparently the lady who compiled the Index holds the copyright so presumably also holds the key to the references. Very frustrating - unless anyone recognises the style of reference or has any idea where it might be?

 

[Susan48]

Found it on Seax although with a different Archive Reference - will order a copy. I hope it might break down my major brick wall.

 

[NicolaP]

From memory from ordering photocopies of Wills from ERO some years back prior to SEAX, a CR reference will refer to a Registered Will proven at Colchester rather than an Original Will which would be CW if it had been proven at Colchester.

Does CR14 465 refer to Ann Awdly of Colchester St Botolph whose Will was proven in 1736? The 1733 date will refer to when the Will was written, something I found when using the index previously. If yes, the Original Will is viewable on SEAX if you have a subscription. The chances are there is little or no difference between the Original and Registered Wills.

 

[Susan48]

Thank you, Nicola. Yes the will is that of Ann Awdly and I shall take out a subscription in order to view it.