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Tucked away in the vaults of Somerset House lies one of Britain’s most revealing and eccentric historical treasures: a vast archive of Last Wills and Testaments. These documents, often the final words of the dead, hold more than just legal instructions; they’re windows into the character of those gone before, into their conflicts and lives. From vengeful codicils and heartfelt farewells, to wills etched on eggshells or hidden in hollow bedposts, this book uncovers a trove of bizarre and entertaining bequests.
Here are men and women who used their final words to settle scores, impose odd conditions, or deliver one last laugh — sometimes at the expense of expectant heirs. For family historians, these wills offer more than just names and dates. They reveal values, relationships, secrets, and social customs that breathe life into ancestral records.
Whether you're tracing your ancestors or simply enjoy tales of posthumous mischief, this journey into the strange world of testamentary history proves that death doesn’t always mean silence.
We offer free standard UK delivery on all orders over £50.
Orders up to £30 are charged a flat fee of £4.95 within the UK.
Orders between £30.01 and £50 are charged a flat fee of £6.95 within the UK.
Usual UK delivery timescale (excluding custom prints) is between 5 and 7 working days from the date of dispatch.
Due to the EU Regulation 2023/988 (GPSR) selected items are not available for delivery to Northern Ireland.
Delivery Worldwide
Due to the EU Regulation 2023/988 (GPSR) we are currently unable to accept any orders for delivery to EU member countries and Switzerland.
We can deliver to other selected countries worldwide.
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If you are not completely satisfied with your item you may return it within 28 days for a refund.
Binding: Paperback
Author: AJ Griffiths-Jones
Pagination: 248p
SKU: 9781036194963
Tucked away in the vaults of Somerset House lies one of Britain’s most revealing and eccentric historical treasures: a vast archive of Last Wills and Testaments. These documents, often the final words of the dead, hold more than just legal instructions; they’re windows into the character of those gone before, into their conflicts and lives. From vengeful codicils and heartfelt farewells, to wills etched on eggshells or hidden in hollow bedposts, this book uncovers a trove of bizarre and entertaining bequests.
Here are men and women who used their final words to settle scores, impose odd conditions, or deliver one last laugh — sometimes at the expense of expectant heirs. For family historians, these wills offer more than just names and dates. They reveal values, relationships, secrets, and social customs that breathe life into ancestral records.
Whether you're tracing your ancestors or simply enjoy tales of posthumous mischief, this journey into the strange world of testamentary history proves that death doesn’t always mean silence.
We offer free standard UK delivery on all orders over £50.
Orders up to £30 are charged a flat fee of £4.95 within the UK.
Orders between £30.01 and £50 are charged a flat fee of £6.95 within the UK.
Usual UK delivery timescale (excluding custom prints) is between 5 and 7 working days from the date of dispatch.
Due to the EU Regulation 2023/988 (GPSR) selected items are not available for delivery to Northern Ireland.
Delivery Worldwide
Due to the EU Regulation 2023/988 (GPSR) we are currently unable to accept any orders for delivery to EU member countries and Switzerland.
We can deliver to other selected countries worldwide.
Returns & refunds
If you are not completely satisfied with your item you may return it within 28 days for a refund.
