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

Open for now, partially closed from October 2012. Completion of the previous phase of building works means that we can again use our front entrance at Palace Green library, providing a step-free route to the Special Collections (minimum door width 28 inches) for 9am-5pm opening, until May 2012. From May 2012 until April 2013, probate records will be available via our search room service at 5 The College (see directions online, access via external steps). Most other collections will continue to be available at Palace Green Library until October 2012 (subject to access restrictions), when the search rooom there will be closed until April 2013. Please contact us well in advance if you intend to use our collections during that time. See Special Collections website for further details and updates.

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.

See notes on the separate digital images page for information on the digital images, which we hope to link into our data once they have been mounted online by our partners.