Ireland, Registers of Wills and Administrations, 1828-1885

Historical Context

This collection comprises records relating to registers of wills and related administration in Ireland for the years 1828-1885. To ensure the legality of a will of a deceased person, a grant of probate must be made by the courts. As part of this process, the original will is lodged with the courts, however, if someone dies intestate, without having made a will, the courts can grant letters of administration for the disposal of the estate. Before 1858, grants of probate and administration were made by the courts of the Church of Ireland, which was the established State church. These courts were the Prerogative Court and the various diocesan or consistorial courts.

This Collection

This collection comprises books of wills and indexes to wills. It also includes registers and indexes of administration. Details available vary but users may find:

• Name
• Name of relative(s)
• Relationship to deceased
• Place and date of will or probate