The tradition of leaving a will when you die goes back to Ancient Greek and Roman times.
It is common and natural for people to leave money, property or other goods in their wills to their relatives.
But what happens when you do not leave a will?
When someone dies without leaving a will everything they own becomes an 'unclaimed estate' which is distributed in line with specific rules.
It means that their possessions are considered ‘ownerless’ and handed to the crown.
The Treasury Solicitor publishes a list of estates - property, goods and money - which have been left behind by people who did not make a will and are yet to be claimed.
If you believe you are an entitled relative find out how you can claim here.
Unclaimed estates linked to Greater Manchester
Kenneth Ashworth
Born 17/09/1927 in Rochdale
Died on 07/09/2008 in Lincoln
He is listed as a bachelor.
Janet Bowen
Born on 16/06/1944
Died on 22/12/2009 in Aylesford in Kent
She is listed as a widow. Her husband was James Henry Bowen
Her Mum's name was Edith Rigby
Rita Carroll
Born on 22/06/1931 in Manchester
Died on 12/11/2017 in Wythenshawe
She is listed as a widow- her husband was called John Carroll
Menvil Dowell
Born on 08/05/1948 in Trafford
Died on 17/03/2018 in Trafford
He is listed as a widower
Agnes Maloney
Born on 17/06/1992 in Broughton, Preston
Died on 23/04/1993 in Manchester
She's listed as a spinster. Her sister was called Nora Maloney.
David John Myers
Born on 19/03/1945 in Manchester
Died on 16/07/2012 in Stoke on Trent
He's listed as a bachelor. The deceased's mother is believed to have died in 1977.
John Robert
Born 15/12/1947 in Stretford
Died on 26/11/2010 in Ashton-under-Lyne
Joyce Pinder
Born 08/02/1925 in Manchester
Died 19/05/1997 in Barnstaple, Devon
George Haughton
Born 07/12/1927 in Tameside
Died 04/11/1993 in Stalybridge Cheshire
Thomas Marsland
Born 11/06/1921 in Ashton upon Mersey
Died 06/02/2012 in Wythenshawe
Deceased had a sister Mary Howe
Victor Foden
Born 09/12/1921- birthplace unknown
Died 06/06/2014 in Ashton-under-Lyne
Basil George
Born 07/07//1928 in Jamaica
Died 17/05/2003 in Ashton-under-Lyne
