The Old Public School - Boy's
Who's Who - Eton 1933

This book was published in 1933 and provides pen-pictures documenting the achievements of living Old Etonians. The details provided vary greatly, but typically record the individual's parents, spouse and siblings, and his personal achievements and career.

As an example, in the case of Major Lionel Hallam Tennyson we learn that he was born in London on 7th November 1889. His family members are detailed, as is his education and military career, including his service in France and Belgium during World War I. Tennyson's cricketing prowess is also detailed, including playing for England in 12 test matches. He was also noted as having captained Hampshire since 1919, while his other sporting interests included golf, shooting and fox hunting.

Commonwealth Probates
Columes 1: 1650-1651

This book was published in 1901, and features abstracts of probates proved in the Prerogative Court of Canterbury in 1650-1.

Although some of the abstracts contain grater detail, most are about three lines in length.

Typical is that of Robert Alderton of the Essex village of Dedham, who died on 24th September 1650. We learn that his will was proven on 9th November 1650.

In terms of the vast number of wills proven over the last 750 years, two years of PCC wills is a drop in the ocean.