Ministry of Justice Consultation: Digitising and Destroying Post-1858 Wills in England and Wales
The Ministry of Justice in England and Wales has sparked controversy with its recent proposal to digitize and then destroy all copies of post-1858 wills. The consultation, which aims to save taxpayer money by reducing the cost of storing the 110 million documents, has raised concerns among genealogists and historians.
While the Justice Minister Mike Freer emphasized the importance of preserving historical wills and making them more accessible through digitalization, genealogy organizations such as the Society of Genealogists and the Association of Genealogists and Researchers in Archives (AGRA) have strongly opposed the destruction of original documents. They argue that digitization is not a substitute for preservation and that the physical copies hold legal and historic significance.
The Society of Genealogists expressed disappointment in the Ministry of Justice’s track record in providing efficient search and retrieval services for probate documents. They urged the government to consult widely and find a partner who can ensure complete and efficient digitization at a reasonable cost to users.
AGRA condemned the proposed destruction of potentially historically valuable documents, stating that it would be a major loss to the cultural and historical heritage of England and Wales. Members of the public have until February 23, 2024, to give their views on the proposals through the consultation, and genealogist Richard Holt has created a petition opposing the plans on Parliament’s website.
The Ministry of Justice’s decision to digitize and potentially destroy post-1858 wills has sparked a heated debate within the genealogical and historical community. As the consultation continues, the future of these important documents hangs in the balance.