The Seven Stars Pub in Lower High Street was owned by the Trustees of John Embling in about 1891. He died in 1885 but I can't find anything about a will or anything relating to this. Does anyone have any idea where I can look for information? Is it really possible for the pub to be owned by his trustees 6 years after his death? Seems a long time.

All wills proved after 185X are listed in the National Wills Index and this is available at all record offices. The microfiche were on a carousel in the Gloucester Office. You only get basic details, like dates and the total value of the estate but most important, the place where the will was proved is noted and you can then write there for a copy of the actual will. The last time I obtained a will this way it cost £5 and for my money I received a true copy of the will embossed by the probate office.

They do hold a few actual wills in the Gloucestershire record office .

Hope this helps.

You may find this web page helpful:
http://tinyurl.com/av2gw

Best wishes
Mike

http://forum.forest-of-dean.net/index.php?mode=thread&id=1670&page=7&catego...

Held by trustees for 6 years ?

If there was a dispute about the will ( or lack of one) , or , if the estate was to pass to children / grandchildren who had "not attained age" then its possible.

S

Thanks to you and the others who have helped me with messages. This is a great site and as always everyone is so helpful.

Just an update...I have found a will in Gloucester and it states that John Embling who died in 1885 made a condition that his property, i.e his farm in Littledean, Seven Star Pub, Cinderford and several cottages in the High St were not to be sold until after his wife's death. She died in 1901. It also mentions that he left her "a £1.00 a week" for the rest of her life. I wonder how much a pound was worth in 1885?

http://www.mswth.com/ppoweruk/

In 2005, £1 0s 0d from 1885 is worth

£71.94 using the retail price index.

Citation
Lawrence H. Officer, "Purchasing Power of British Pounds from 1264 to 2005." MeasuringWorth.com, 2006.