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The Society was founded in 1889 to compile, edit and publish indexes, calendars and transcripts of historical records in public or private custody throughout Great Britain. For many years it has concentrated on producing indexes to English probate records to facilitate the study of English history and genealogy.
At the present time indexes to wills and administrations in Wiltshire and elsewhere are at an advanced stage of preparation and the Society has also embarked on a programme of publishing transcripts of 17th century Hearth Tax returns.
The Society is a registered United Kingdom Charity (No. 248874) and its work (undertaken by volunteers) is funded by subscriptions both from individuals and institutions worldwide. While the aim is to publish a new volume annually, this is dependent on a number of factors including the large amount of time needed to transcribe documents and compile indexes and the availability of volunteers to carry out the work and bring a project to fruition. During the period 1992 to 2006 not every year saw a new publication, but 18 volumes were produced which subscribers received free of charge.
Two new volumes were published at the end of 2007 - Wills at Hertford 1415 - 1858 (volume 120) and West Riding Hearth Tax (volume 121).
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