The revised fee applies to all requests for copies of grants of probate, letters of administration, and wills held by the Probate Registry. It affects both initial applications and subsequent requests, including those for historical records. Whether ordered during the probate process or years later for research or legal purposes, each copy will now incur the significantly higher cost.

Implications for practitioners, families, and researchers:

• Those administrating estates should reassess how many copies are absolutely necessary. Multiple originals are often required to deal with banks, insurers, share registrars, and property transactions.
• Legal professionals and genealogists accessing archived probate records will need to factor in the higher retrieval costs.
• Some institutions now accept scanned or sealed digital versions. It’s advisable to confirm requirements before ordering multiple originals.
• Copies can often be returned after use – this may help reduce the number needed overall.

This near-1000% increase raises broader concerns about affordability and access to public records, particularly for individuals navigating probate without legal representation. It also places additional financial pressure on those managing modest estates or conducting historical research.

The last major change came in 2017, when the fee doubled from £5 to £10 following the closure of many public probate registries. As the process moved online and became less labour-intensive, the price later dropped to £1.50. The Ministry of Justice has now justified the latest hike in price as a reflection of the operational costs incurred by HMCTS.

This change is likely to affect a wide range of stakeholders – from solicitors and probate practitioners to genealogists, financial institutions, and families managing estates. For those managing estates or researching family histories, adapting early will make a meaningful difference.

Speak to our team about how we can help matters stay efficient, cost-conscious, and client-focused in the face of rising fees.

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Victory over Japan Day (VJ Day) marks Japan’s surrender to the Allied forces and the end of the Second World War. This year is the 80th anniversary of that historic moment.

Across the UK, many events are taking place to commemorate the occasion. Buckingham Palace have announced that King Charles III will address the nation, while the Royal British Legion will host a National Commemorative Event at the National Memorial Arboretum. The day will see 400 Armed Forces members in attendance, a Red Arrows flypast, and live performances by military bands.

As we celebrate this milestone, we also pause to remember the lives lost. There were more than 90,000 British casualties in the conflict with Japan, and over a third of them were held as prisoners of war.

One of the most tragic episodes was the sinking of the Lisbon Maru in 1942, a Japanese freighter carrying over 1,800 prisoners of war from Hong Kong to Shanghai and Japan. Unaware that British and Commonwealth soldiers were onboard, a US Navy submarine torpedoed the ship. In the chaos, Chinese fishermen gallantly risked their own lives under open fire to rescue survivors.

Many of the 828 soldiers who lost their lives originated from Suffolk, Norfolk and Cambridgeshire. Anglia Research Services Ltd played a key role in tracing the descendants of those who lost their lives, and our work was featured in the documentary film “The Sinking of the Lisbon Maru.” Our team of probate genealogists were able to locate the living relatives of the prisoners who had been on board and allowed them to attend the premiere of the documentary.

We are honoured to share that the film will be available to view from today, only in the UK and Ireland.
You can watch the film here: “The Sinking of The Lisbon Maru” Watch Online

On this 80th anniversary of VJ Day, we remember not only the victory, but the sacrifices and courage of all who served and suffered during the Second World War.

 

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What began as a curious garden find has now blossomed into a touching piece of local family history.

When gardener Adam Elshaw discovered a pristine letter dated 21st January 1955 under an acer tree in a Wolverhampton Garden, he had no idea it would connect him – and us – to a love story nearly 70 years old.

The letter, typed on paper from Ashleigh Court in Torquay, was addressed to JR Gwilt Esquire of Stafford Road, Fordhouses. It outlined hotel rates for a stay, including meals, and appeared to respond to a booking enquiry. How it ended up buried beneath a tree, untouched by time, was a mystery.

Or at least it was, thanks to the team at Anglia Research and the work of one of our genealogists, the mystery has now been solved.

After reading this article in passing on a train journey, our Head of Probate Richard Tinkler knew this was exactly the kind of thing we could help with. He passed the story to our Regional Head, Eileen Lavelle, who set to solving it.

The letter was written to John Raymond Gwilt, born in 1933, and it turns out it was part of the arrangements for his honeymoon with Barbara Mary Lawley. The couple married on 4th April 1955 and the timing of the letter lines up perfectly with their plans.

Their son, David John Gwilt, confirmed the details after being sent a photo of the letter by his sister, Jane via WhatsApp. He responded:

“I am absolutely sure my father was arranging accommodation for my parents’ honeymoon – the dates match up. I know that their honeymoon was in the Torbay area.”

David and his sister Jane were delighted to learn the letter had been discovered, as well as surprised at how quickly the story had travelled.

The address on the letter 501 Stafford Road, Wolverhampton. It matched that of John Raymond Gwilt’s parents, Major Harry Gwilt and Lily Gwilt (née Dalton), who were recorded as living there in 1939. It was the address of the flat above the family butchers shop established by Harry & Lily, John continued the family business for decades (photo below).

How the letter ended up under a tree in Tettenhall remains a mystery. It may have been tucked away in an attic and slipped from a moving box or van as the property changed hands. The house has changed ownership three times since David Gwilt’s parents lived there.

What is clear now is that it was never just a random scrap of old paper – it was a preserved memory from the early days of a marriage that would last a lifetime.

“Our parents and grandparents were very kind people, and it’s wonderful that their memory can be honoured in this way.”

We’re grateful to the Gwilt family for allowing us to share their story and to Adam for recognising the letter’s significance. It’s not every day you uncover a honeymoon booking from the 1950s in someone’s flower bed.

By Chloe Pipe

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Our latest bite-sized webinar offers invaluable insights into the often-complex world of adoption records, directly from our experts at Anglia Research.

In this concise yet informative session, we delve into the crucial elements to consider when navigating adoption records accompanied by some interesting case stories from our experts. Understanding the processes and potential pitfalls in these documents is vital for anyone seeking to trace family histories or resolve heirship cases.

You’ll hear directly from two of our leading figures at Anglia Research: Eileen Lavelle, our esteemed Regional Head, and Joe Lander, our knowledgeable Business Development Director. They share their extensive knowledge and practical experience, discussing matters that are integral to the daily work of probate genealogists.

Whether you’re a legal professional in the probate world or simply interested in the intricacies of looking into family history, don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your genealogical expertise and gain valuable perspectives from the frontline of probate research.

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While the idea of Christmas Day weddings might seem full of romance and festive magic, the origins of this tradition were rooted in practicality rather than sentimentality. During the 18^th and 19^th centuries, Christmas was one of the few times working-class individuals were guaranteed at least one day off, if not two, from their demanding six-day work weeks.

This made it a practical choice for couples to celebrate their nuptials on 25^th December, as depicted in Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, where even Bob Cratchit was granted time off.

Inner City Batch Weddings

Christmas Day weddings were especially common in inner-city areas, where large industrial working-class communities lived. Weddings back then were simple affairs without the expensive tastes that we tend to see today. However, guests would certainly dress up for the occasion, with ‘Sunday dress’ very much expected. People were, after all, going to church.

Some church even offered free or reduced cost services at Christmas. In some areas of the country this became something of a tradition, particularly in London. There is evidence of batch weddings taking place on Christmas Day at St. Paul’s Cathedral in Victorian times.

We have also unearthed historical records which reveal 78 Christmas Day marriages at Manchester Collegiate Church (now Manchester Cathedral) 150 years ago.

20^th Century

World War II saw a brief revival of this tradition. With heightened mortality fears, couples seized their limited leave to marry during the Christmas season, adding urgency to the occasion.

The decline of Christmas Day weddings began in the 20th century, with the rise of trade unions and improved working conditions. Greater flexibility in annual leave, combined with the logistical challenges of a Christmas Day wedding, such as venue and supplier availability and costs, has made such weddings a rarity today. Plus, you might find that your intended guests are otherwise engaged.

For family history enthusiasts, these weddings offer a glimpse into the social and cultural fabric of the Victorian era, reflecting how practicality and tradition intertwined during the festive season.

For more insights into genealogy and historical traditions, explore our Family Historians articles.

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Following nominations by staff at the end of 2023, we are proud to announce the beginning of our next two-year charity partnership with Barnardo’s, beginning on September 1^st, 2024, following the charity’s recent rebrand earlier in the year.

Anglia Research is thrilled to announce a two-year partnership with Barnardo’s, one of the UK’s leading children’s charities, nominating them as our chosen charity for 2024-2026. This collaboration underscores our commitment to making a meaningful impact as part of our ESG policy with a charity close to our heart.

Why Barnardo’s?

Our connection with Barnardo’s has been long-standing: there are many occasions that our researchers have reached out to Barnardo’s for assistance in locating next-of-kin for deceased people who, as children, were in their care.

Barnardo’s was founded over 150 years ago by Thomas John Barnardo, an Irish national who came to London to become a doctor. What he saw when he arrived was a poverty-stricken city with slums and children facing hardship every day. So, in 1867, he set up a ‘Ragged School’ where children could get a free basic education. Over the years, Barnardo’s extended the level of care to providing residential, educational, and emotional support for any child. Their ethic of ‘never turning a child away’ stands to this day.

When we contacted our staff in late 2023 for their input on which charity we should support, Irish Regional Manager Matt Stewart was able to give several reasons why Barnardo’s was a great choice:

“One charity that I have, at times, found essential in solving cases has been Barnardo’s. They keep good records of the children in their care and have been supportive when approached.”

Key Initiatives

1. Fundraising Campaigns: Anglia Research commits to giving our staff events a ‘charity edge’ and providing opportunities to raise funds for Barnardo’s. Events include in-house raffles, sponsored challenges, and individually driven projects.
2. Employee Donations: Our employees can contribute directly to Bernardo’s charity shop donations through structured ‘one-stop-drops’ for goods at our main offices. This initiative will allow our team to personally engage with the charity’s work, fostering a deeper connection with the cause.
3. Awareness Campaigns: Anglia Research will commit to raising awareness about the issues faced by vulnerable children in the UK. This will involve social media campaigns and live events. We commit to raising awareness wherever we can.

Our first campaign

Our two-year partnership with Barnardo’s is kicked off with our first fundraising initiative. All staff can win an extra day of annual leave through our in-house raffle – and for just £3 a ticket!

At Barnardo’s, we’re thrilled by this partnership and what it will mean to the lives of children and young people across the UK.

The lives of children today are hugely impacted by the ongoing impact of Covid, the cost-of-living crisis and the fact that much of their lives are increasingly taking place online. More children are living in poverty, struggling with their mental health or feeling unsafe – but we’re here to help children live happier, healthier and safer lives.

We rely on the support of organisations like Anglia Research to continue delivering support to children, young people and families, so thank you to everyone who chose us to be your new charity partner.

Lucy MacDonald Connolly, Corporate Relationship Manager at Barnardo’s.

Follow our progress via our ESG website page and follow us on LinkedIn.

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Recently we were featured in a short documentary surrounding the King’s Plate, produced by Your Southport about the extraordinary lengths our researchers go to get to the facts about myths. The research was conducted for The Atkinson, Southport’s home for music, theatre, art, literature and history.

In their collection, which holds over 3,500 artworks and over 25,000 pieces of social history, was a plate rumoured to have been used by a King. But which one? And when? And how did it come to be in the collection?

Watch below to find out.

As you can see, our work is for all kinds of clients and takes us to all kinds of places.

1. We don’t just look at birth, marriage, and death certificates; our research stretches to museums, letters, newspapers, archives, books, ledgers, company records, census records—the list is endless.
2. We can help anyone unravel a long-held myth.
3. We present all of the evidence, leaving no stone unturned. We might not be able to prove a story conclusively, but we will be able to guide you to your own decision.

To read the full story, see this post on The Atkinson website.

If you have a story you’d like to unravel, contact us at Info@angliaresearch.co.uk.

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Originally planned for earlier in the year, widespread strikes and general social unrest meant that the census was postponed.

For genealogists, the importance of the 1921 census cannot be overstated. With the 1931 census destroyed in a fire and no census taken in 1941 (though the 1939 Register exists), the 1921 census is an invaluable resource until the next census becomes available in 2052.

At Anglia Research, we rely heavily on the 1921 census daily for our genealogical research. Its detailed records are central to our work in uncovering entitled beneficiaries.

This census provides a detailed snapshot of life in England and Wales, the Channel Islands, and the Isle of Man, as well as data on those serving in the British Army overseas. In total, it captured the details of an astonishing 38 million people.

The 1921 census was groundbreaking, offering more information than any previous census. It recorded individuals’ age, birthplace, occupation, and residence, including the names of household members and the number of rooms in their homes.

It also documented place of work and employer details, and for the first time, included ‘divorced’ as an option for marital status.

This census is an integral part of our daily work.

If you have a case that you think we could help with, please do contact us for a free initial consultation.

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The series delves into the stories of individuals unexpectedly inheriting properties from distant relatives, highlighting the emotional decision-making process of whether to retain or sell their newfound assets.

The show follows unsuspecting heirs traced by probate genealogists just like us who receive the news of a most unexpected inheritance. The show reveals the personal stories of the identified heirs and the historical family link to the properties concerned. The camera records what are at times emotional decisions on what to do with the properties, making for compelling viewing.

The first episode featured Storme, a lady we identified as the entitled beneficiary of an unclaimed estate. Our Case Director Matthew Boardman, who featured prominently in the one-hour show and was ably supported by colleague Richard Turvey, was shown identifying Storme through genealogical research and making contact with her.

Matthew broke the news to Storme that she had inherited a cottage in Kent from, it turned out, a distant relative that she had never met.

The episode also captures the moment that Storme and her daughter first see the property together, recording the emotions brought up by this old family property with plenty of potential near Canterbury.

Overall, we were delighted to have our work showcased in such a manner and were proud to be entrusted with the very first episode.

Hosted by Jean Johannson, the series continues Sunday afternoons on Channel 4 featuring other firms from the probate genealogy sector. The first episode is available on Channel 4 catch-up.

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In an extraordinary turn of events, our research efforts delved into the remarkable story of RAF Second World War hero Flight Sergeant Peter Brown. Beyond the routine scope of our work, this poignant human interest story captured our attention, standing out amongst everyday stories.

Answering the National Appeal

We take immense pride in deploying our specialised skills to respond to a national appeal initiated by The Sun newspaper. What followed was uncovering a fascinating backstory that captured the nation, with global media extensively covering the funeral service that followed. Peter Brown was the final living member of the “Pilots of the Caribbean” who heroically served in World War II.

Research Connects Distant Relatives

In December 2022, Peter Brown passed away alone in December 2022 in Maida Vale, London, at the age of 96, with no known family.

Westminster City Council pleaded with mourners to attend the scheduled public health funeral, as no relatives could be identified through their initial search. In the UK, local authorities assume responsibility for the funerals of individuals who pass away intestate within their boundaries when no one else (typically the family) is willing or able to make the necessary arrangements.

The Sun Newspaper’s Campaign

The Sun newspaper picked up the council’s appeal for mourners, as more information came out about Peter’s past, they launched a campaign over several articles to provide the RAF veteran with a farewell befitting his life story. The campaign achieved remarkable success, garnering support from prominent public figures in the UK, including Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and the Leader of the Opposition, Sir Keir Starmer.

As the story gained national and international acclaim, the council received many requests from individuals seeking to pay their respects, which led to the postponement and an upgrade to the initial funeral arrangements. Yet despite the global reach of Peter’s story, but still, no family had come forward.

A Hero’s Send-Off: Final Tribute at RAF Spiritual Home

On May 25, 2023, a full RAF funeral was accorded to Peter Brown at the historic St Clement Danes church, the RAF’s spiritual home in Westminster. Nearly 500 individuals attended, including representatives from our firm. The RAF took on the responsibility for the service as a nod to Peter’s exemplary service during World War II.

Reuniting Peter’s family for this dignified send-off was a privilege, a well-deserved tribute following the appeal that captivated the nation’s hearts. Proving that sometimes, going beyond just a job, and touching lives in extraordinary ways.

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