PT-2024-LIV-000019 - [2025] EWHC 816 (Ch)

The family tree is complex and, unfortunately, no graphical representation of it was made available. An account of it is necessary in order to understand the issues around the will.

Veronica Clarke was married to Albert Clarke, who predeceased her. She had no issue. She had six siblings only: in no particular order, they were Leila English (D5) who survived her; William Morris (D6) who survived her; May Tedford, who died on 25 December 2001 leaving two children, Henry Tedford (C) and Patricia Owen (D7); Elizabeth Henderson, who died on 1 January 2015 leaving one child, Maurice Henderson (D8); John Morris who died on 21 October 2005 leaving four children, Ann Morris (D9), Billy Morris (D10), Julie McGregor (who died before Vera leaving one child Katie Morris (now Moore) (D11) and Marie Morris (who died before Vera leaving two children, Christopher Brannan (D12) and Mark Brannan (D13); and Nancy Hindley, who died on 14 September 2014 leaving three children Jeffrey Hindley (D14), Peter Hindley (D15) and Yvonne Hindley (D16).

Albert Clarke had nine siblings only: in no particular order, they were Audrey Clarke (D1); Alice Smith (D2); Florence Pearson (D3); Denise Clarke (D4); Jean Such, who died on 6 March 2020; Boyde Clarke, who died on 27 August 2008; John Clarke, who died on 29 June 2021; Eric Clarke, who died on 3 February 2013; and Victor Clarke, who died on 19 March 2022. There was no evidence before the court as to whether or not any of his deceased siblings had issue.