Lancashire Records Office situated in Bow Lane, Preston hold Indexes to Wills and original Wills. Other County Record offices and The National Archives hold similar documentation. Wills are important sources to establish not only the wealth of the deceased but the relationship between them and family members. The very early Wills where written on parchment, sometimes in Latin or Old English, and because of their age there is some damage to the material. I have extracted what I believe is essential information that would be of use to anyone researching their Family Tree. Photocopies of some of the Wills can be purchased from the relevent Record Office, but because of their fragility others can only be viewed in person. Not all the Mort Wills found in the Indexes have been viewed and transcribed for a variety of reasons, just those indicated by an asterisk.

The internet is a powerful place that has introduced genealogy to a new generation of researchers. Everyday folk like you and me, who pre the world of URL’s may not have had the time, motivation or ability to trudge through muddy cemeteries or sit for hours in a library.

Internet research has its limitations and at some stage a visit to the local Church is a necessity. However by that stage you will probably be addicted and won’t mind photographing headstones and incurring some strange looks by the Vicar. Also - let us not forget those descendents that have left the ‘Mother Land’ and only have access to information that is ‘on line’.

What are your experiences of genealogy websites? Are they a waste of money, are they easy to use, are they invaluable? We really do need to hear your opinions so please write and tell us what you think. I am sure that there are lots of newbie researchers out there that would be very grateful for any advice or guidance you can offer. To get the ball rolling, here are my favourite sites. These reviews are purely my personal opinion resulting from my own user experience of these sites. Please feel free to add to these comments, agree or challenge.