Coupland List, There is little to add the erudite explanation of the workings of the probate system given by Chris, except to say the court ( Consistory or Commissary) was only convened for large or complex wills or administrations - particularly when there was a dispute. The run of the mill probate cases were dealt with by a local clergyman (Surrogate) who had been given powers by an Ecclesiastical Court to deal with these matters. Nev.Ramsden