In the Administration Bond, to which the searcher should direct his attention, it is very possible that the names of the children of the deceased may be found; if not, the mere name of the administrator may reveal a good deal. Indexes are, of course, procurable to all these and similar documents.
Marriage Licences and Marriage Licence Bonds are often profitable sources of information.
For nineteenth-century searches, Census Returns may be consulted, and Hearth Money Rolls (referring to small taxes levied on individuals) for those of earlier date—from 14 Charles II. to 1 William and Mary.
These, or similar documents, can be found in whichever of the British Isles the pedigree-hunter is searching; but others, which may possibly also serve his purpose, can only (unless where copies exist) be consulted in definite centres.
Heraldic Records, which comprise armorial information, important pedigrees, funeral certificates, etc., are preserved in the College of Arms, Queen Victoria Street, London, and there is a similar College of Arms, presided over by the Ulster King of Arms, in Dublin Castle.
A most valuable library is connected with the College of Arms in London, and, of course, the documents stored in the office itself are of inestimable value.
All searches must be paid for, however; there are stated fees and certain rules which cannot be infringed.
Monastic Bodies have often preserved intact their most valuable records, and where such might prove useful, they will, in many cases, be found accessible. These registers principally consist of Chronicles, Registers, and Martyrologies. The two former would be found the most generally useful, though, naturally, they presuppose that a somewhat early date is required.
The records of Freemen and of Municipal Bodies may, on occasions, prove of value; nor should those connected with Grammar and Public Schools be overlooked.
The Registers of the various Diocesan Courts will supply information about the Clergy, and the dates of their appointment to their benefices will be found in a series of Institution Books, which can be consulted in the Public Record Office.