North East Inheritance database (pre-1858 Durham Probate Records)

Welcome to our online Probate database

Welcome to our online database of pre-1858 probate records (wills and related documents), from Northumberland and County Durham.

You can proceed straight to a simple name search of the probate database now, or use the links at the left hand side at any time. Note that for family history enquiries, we have also provided alphabetical lists from the database in PDF format, which you are welcome to download and/or print for your own personal use.

This database was created as part of our North East Inheritance (NEI) project, which ran 2006-2009 and was funded primarily by the Heritage Lottery Fund. You will find more information on the project, and background information on the Durham Probate Records, at the NEI project pages.

What does the database contain?

See the separate scope of the database page for details of what is included, and the latest revision date for the data.

The catalogue records within the database are linked to images of most of the pre-1858 Durham Probate Records. These images are mounted separately by the Genealogical Society of Utah. See digital images page for details and guidance on accessing the images.