Wills are one of the most valuable resources to family historians as they are a personal document that puts 'flesh on the bones' of basic facts.

They will often provide details of occupations, possesions, relatives, surnames of married daughters, and often indicate their personality by bequests and preferences.

The main source of wills in this area are the National Archives and Essex Records Office.

Some wills have been transcribed and are reproduced on this site.

The index on this page shows the names that can be found in those wills.

The person making the will is the top name with any other names mentioned will listed below. Click the persons name to read the will in full.

Cornelious Barrett of Childerditch

Bella Barrett

Rececca Barrett

Richard Woodfine of Shenfield

 Hannah Carder of Purleigh 1849

John Ruggles of Great Totham

Elizabeth Fairhead of Great Braxted

William Fairhead of Great Braxted

Mrs Allaker of Purleigh

Mary Ruggles of Great Totham

John Webb of Springfield

Susannah Taylor of Hertfordshire

Sarah Webb of Tolleshunt D'Arcy

James Webb of Tolleshunt D'Arcy

Elizabeth Weaver of Goldhanger

James Weaver of Goldhanger

Rebecca Drain of Woodham Walter

John Drain of Woodham Walter

Mary Drain of Woodham Walter

Rebecca Drain of Woodham Walter

Elizabeth Linnet of Woodham Walter

John Linnet of Woodham Walter

Thomas Carder of Mundon

Joseph Carder of Mundon

Hannah Carder of Purleigh

Stephen Freeman of Pitsea

Ellen Freeman of Pitsea

Ann Freeman of Pitsea

Hannah Freeman of Pitsea