From exploring the history of a family, to tracing expanding global trade, to gaining a practical insight into peoples’ lives, wills are a remarkably rich historical resource. In this hands-on workshop participants will engage with English wills from 1540-1790 as we consider the wealth of information that these documents contain about the past.
The workshop is organised by a of team of researchers from the University of Exeter and The National Archives who work on 'The Material Culture of Wills, England 1560-1790’ project. The team will provide an overview of the project and will present aspects of their own research on wills.
Participants will also have the opportunity to discuss some of the most interesting wills the team and our expert volunteers have encountered so far, to transcribe alongside like-minded researchers, and to share experiences of working with wills or conducting local or family history research drawing on wills.
- The workshop is open to anyone with an interest in historical wills and/or who gains satisfaction from deciphering old handwriting
- Attendance is free but there are a limited number of places so booking is essential.
- Tea and coffee, and a sandwich lunch will be provided.
This workshop is generously funded by the University of Exeter's PER Springboard Fund. The Material Culture of Wills project is funded by The Leverhulme Trust.
