Hello Nigel,

In England, until the Married Women's Property Act of 1882 women did not usually leave wills unless they were spinsters or widows. A married woman's property belonged by law to her husband and she needed his consent to make a will. Before 1837 any female resident of the UK over the age of 12 years, or male over 14, could legally make a will. In 1837 the age was lifted to 21 years and the restriction was placed on married women.

Sue