Luckily you can search (or ask someone else to do it) the Probate Calendars. They were published from 1858 (lucky!) and cover all of England an Wales in a volume for each year. Wills usually went to probate soon after the death but can be several years or more later.
Copies of the Probate Calendars are held at most county archives, and some libraries. If you find the person did leave a will you can purchase a copy from York.
another daft question...I found the will now what do I do to get a copy? I am guessing I need the ref. but it's not very clear, can someone with good eyes take a look on FMP please
Index to death duty registers 1796 - 1903
Page 4 of 5 Martin 1859-1859
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