Introduction

The will and probate papers of Amelia Isobel Eccles Joynson-Wreford provide important evidence relating to the final inheritance of the Seskinore estate.

Executed in January 1935 and proved in 1937 following her death, the documents confirm that Amelia left her entire estate absolutely to her husband, Captain Wilfred Heyman (“Tony”) Joynson-Wreford.

Together with the later conveyance and settlement documents of 1937–1938, these papers form a crucial part of the documentary record surrounding the final private ownership of Seskinore.

Amelia Isobel Eccles Joynson-Wreford

The probate records describe Amelia as:

“Amelia Isobel Eccles Joynson-Wreford of ‘Old Barn’ Leatherhead in the County of Surrey”

She was the only child of Colonel John Knox McClintock and Amy Henrietta (“Emy”) McClintock of Seskinore.

Following the death of Colonel McClintock in October 1936, Amelia became entitled to the remaining settled estate under the McClintock marriage settlement of 1893.

However, she died shortly afterwards on 30 January 1937.

The Will

Amelia’s will was executed on 22 January 1935.

In the document she appointed:

“my said husband sole executor of this my will”

namely:

Captain Wilfred Heyman Joynson-Wreford.

The most significant clause states:

“I DEVISE and BEQUEATH all my real and personal estate whatsoever and wheresoever to my said husband absolutely”

This wording is highly important, as it confirms that Amelia intended Captain Joynson-Wreford to inherit her estate outright and without limitation.

Probate

Probate was granted on 24 August 1937.

The grant confirms that administration of the estate was granted to:

“Wilfred Heyman Joynson-Wreford of Seskinore Omagh aforesaid”

described as:

husband of the deceased,
and sole executor named in the will.

The probate documents further record the gross and net value of the estate.

Historical Significance

These documents are among the clearest surviving records relating to the succession of the Seskinore estate in the years immediately preceding the Second World War.

When read alongside the 1937–1938 Settlement and Conveyance papers, they establish the complete legal transition of the remaining estate:

from Colonel John Knox McClintock,
to Amelia Isobel Eccles Joynson-Wreford,
and finally to Captain Wilfred Heyman (“Tony”) Joynson-Wreford.

They also demonstrate that Tony inherited the remaining estate absolutely rather than merely holding a life interest or acting only as executor.

Introduction

Amelia Isobel Eccles Joynson-Wreford

The Will

Probate

Historical Significance

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