re: the above - even though we're based just a few miles away, the first we
heard of it was an article in the local press on Tuesday! Since when, we've been
getting a number of calls from the public wanting to know more. Having done some
digging around, it appears that the new facility in Erdington is purely for
storage and retrieval, and not accessible to the public. Anyone wanting a copy
of a will should still be directed to their local probate registry, who will in
turn contact the centre in Birmingham. Copies of the wills are then sent
electronically to the local registry for collection. The information may also be
eventually accessible over the net.
The upshot of all this is that the system remains the same, but will be quicker
for the enquirer, who can pick up a copy of a will in an hour rather than wait
several days. All very good - but 0 out 10 to Hays, for not even bothering to
tell the local record office how the system was to work!
David Bishop
Archivist
Birmingham City Archive
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