For the purposes of probate it depends when a person died, the nature of their estate and if they left a will or not.
Pre 1858
Before the 11 January 1858, probate was administred by the ecclesiastical courts.
Diocese courts
In Wales these were:
- Bangor: 1635 – 1858
- Brecon: 1543 – 1858
- Chester (Welsh wills): 1557 – 1858
- Hawarden: 1554 – 1858
- Llandaf: 1568 – 1857
- St Asaph: 1565 – 1857
- St David’s: 1556 – 1858
The Trefeglwys parish falls under the Diocese of Bangor, and the original documents are now held at the National Library of Wales (NLW). Digital images of these wills are available online, and is searchable here.
For ease of reference, I have listed all the Trefeglwys wills here including a link to the relevant images (held at NLW), a transcription where available and a summary of the key people/places.
Post 1858
After 1858, Probate was administered by the civil courts. An index, also referred to as a Calendar of Grants is searchable. The index which covers Trefeglwys from 1858-1940, is held at the Shropshire Archives. You can also search the Probate Calendar on Ancestry (£).
4 responses to “Probate”
Hello I am researching the Hammond family particularly Anne Hammond late of Trefeglwys and her father Thomas Hammond. Do you have details
Researching family geneology and documentation of records for Edward Herbert (b 1801) married to Elizabeth Jones (b (1791-1795) in Trefeglws, Llanidloes, Montgomeryshire, Wales. Thank you.
William Jones (Cwmbernant and Bwlchyfan) wrote and read wills, dealt with probate etc again mentioned in diaries with reference to people. I have transcribed some after a visit to NLW.
I am searching for info on Hugh Owen born 1715 and his parents Elizabeth and William Owen of Trefeglwys. They are my 6 and 7 great grandparents
Below is some info on my family from there. As you will note it mentions two separate Meetinghouses once they arrived in America so it is possible they were Quakers prior to leaving Wales.
Hugh was an apprentice to Evan Evans w/ Elisabeth and Martha. Terms 14 years age 21. Indentured at Haverfordwest, Pembroke on May 28, 1722
1753 Tax list Vincent Township, Chester County 1763 Wrote Will 1-20-1763, probated 6-6-1763 requested all children stay on home plantation. Brother, David, took guardianship of Hugh’s children (Elisabeth, Mordecai (under 21) and Abraham (under 14)) upon Hugh’s death 1763 Chester County, Pennsylvania Wills,
1713-1825 Record about Hugh Owen Name: Hugh Owen Description: Decedent Residence: Vincent Date: 20 Jan 1763 Prove Date: 6 Jun 1763 Remarks: Hugh Owen of Vincent. January 20, 1763. June 6, 1763. Provides for wife Sarah. To William Kirk 15 shillings in trust for repairing Nantmeal Meeting House. To sons Evan, Mordecai and Abraham and daughter Elizabeth all remainder of estate when of legal age. Executors: Brother in law Mordecai Williams and nephew William Owen. Witnesses: William Stanfield, Samuel Stanfield, Simon Meredith.
Hugh’s son Evan Owen was a Quaker and a surveyor founding the Catawissa Meetinghouse in PA and founding the town of Berwick, PA.
Diolch
Tegwyn