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
HYLL, RobertBrayYeoman1592D/A1/77/082 D/A1/12/053MF524 MF10048
HYLL, ThomasCookhamHusbandman1580D/A1/76/187 D/A1/10/249MF524 MF10047A
HYLLER, ThomasWarfieldCarpenter1559D/A1/76/044 D/A1/8/059MF524 MF10043C
HYLLER, Thomas SnrWarfieldYeoman1605D/A1/77/251 D/A1/14/054MF525 MF10064
HYLMAN, AgnesAston Tirrold1555D/A1/75/051 D/A1/7/099MF523 MF10040
HYLMAN, JohnAston Tirrold1553D/A1/75/039 D/A1/5/213fMF523 MF10043A
HYNDE , ThomasNewburyHaberdasher1579D/A1/76/185 D/A1/10/166MF524 MF10047A
HYNDE, EdwardUffington1709D/A1/198/52MF96054
HYNDE, JohnShaw Bridge, SpeenTanner1615D/A1/78/058 D/A1/15/563MF525 MF10065
HYNDE, Richard SnrSpeenhamland, Speen1542D/A1/1/232MF10042
HYNDERLYNG, ChristianUffington1559D/A1/76/029 D/A1/8/112MF524 MF10043C
HYNDERLYNG, EdwardUffington1546D/A1/2/241 D/A1/233/138MF604 MF96132
HYNTON, ThomasLongcot, Shrivenham1621D/A1/78/135MF525
HYNTON, ThomasBourton, Shrivenham1676D/A1/197/25MF96052
HYOTT, AnthonyBotley, CumnorLabourer1632D/A1/79/062MF526
HYRSTE, WilliamFinchampstead1550D/A1/75/023 D/A1/5/113MF523 MF10043A
HYSSEY, RobertDraycott Moor, LongworthYeoman1671D/A1/81/26MF527
HYSSIE, JohnWoodhill, Letcombe RegisShepherd1615D/A1/78/053 D/A1/15/520MF525 MF10065
HYSSY, JohnDraycott Moor, LongworthYeoman1679D/A1/197/46MF96052
HYSSYE, ElizabethWest Hanney, Hanney1600D/A1/77/169 D/A1/13/569MF525 MF10049
HYSSYE, WilliamWest Hanney, HanneyTailor1596D/A1/77/122MF524
HYSTOK, JohnWest Woodhay1531D/A1/75/001MF523
HYTCHMOUTH, ThomasWarfieldVicar1593D/A1/77/094 D/A1/12/131MF524 MF10048
HYWOOD, ThomasWargraveHusbandman1614D/A1/78/050 D/A1/15/485MF525 MF10065
HYXE, WilliamLongcot, Shrivenham1553D/A1/75/045MF523
HYXE, WilliamLongcot, Shrivenham1553D/A1/4/096 D/A1/5/207MF604 MF10043A