England, Kent, Wills and Probate, 1440-1881

What is in This Collection?

This collection includes wills and probate records from the county of Kent, covering the period 1440-1881. Availability of the records varies by year and locality.

Probate records document the transfer of possessions after a person dies. Wills, in particular, were written to ensure that the property and personal estate of a deceased person would be distributed according to his or her wishes. If the deceased did not specify an executor, the court would usually assign the next of kin the duty of distributing the goods.

Additional records and/or images may be added to this collection in the future.

To Browse This Collection

What Can These Records Tell Me?

The following information may be found in these records:
Wills and Probate

• Full name of deceased
• Residence of deceased
• Names of beneficiaries (usually surviving spouse and children)
• Name of executor or administrator
• Names of witnesses
• Date and place of will or probate
• Relatives present at the time of death
• Itemization of household goods and property
• Listing of any debt or funeral expenses to be paid
• Property names