Abstracts of Lincoln Wills, Volume I (1271-1526)

This is the first of a series of volumes that the Society planned to issue containing abstracts of wills relating to the diocese and county of Lincoln. These ancient testamentary documents are of value because they throw much light upon the language, the religious customs and observances, and the manners and social life of our forefathers. Moreover, they are of very great services for genealogical purposes since, in the period prior to the institution of parish registers, they are often the only available source of information relating to families which did not hold land or use armorial bearings; and even when they relate to the same period as extant parish registers, they are no less important to the genealogist. Every will in the District Probate Registry from 1271 to 1526 has been included in full with the exception of three wills which were found too late to be included.
Adapted from the Preface to the volume.