The 28 People From Worthing Who Left An Unclaimed Estate

Tuesday, 11 January 2022 06:00

By Jessica Hubbard - Local Democracy Reporter @jhjourno

The details of dozens of people who died in Worthing, leaving an unclaimed estate have been revealed on the Government website.

The list, updated this week, shows deaths going back nearly 50 years. It was put together by the Bona Vacantia department which deals with ‘ownerless property’.

Property is passed to the Crown upon someone’s death when they die intestate (without a will) or with no known next of kin.

Information on the list is passed on by various organisations such as local councils, hospitals, banks and post offices.

A total of 27 people on the list died in Worthing, while another was born in Worthing in 1945 and died in Brighton.

Some hailed from other parts of the UK and moved to the coast but others came from further afield. Some of those who died in Worthing came from Spain, Ireland, Poland, Macedonia, India and Austria. For others, their place of birth is unknown.

One Worthingite on the list, Cecily Joyce Black, was born in 1905 and lived to the age of 98.

Another, William Edward Lang, died in Worthing in 2004 but it is not known where they were born or if they ever married.

What to do if you know someone on the list

If someone dies intestate (without leaving a will) their spouse or civil partner has first refusal on their estate. Children, grandchildren, parents and siblings are next in line.

The list, held by the Bona Vacantia department, is used to help trace those who may be entitled to unclaimed estates.

Claims can usually only be made up to 30 years after a death and estates where the time limit has passed are removed from the list.

You can view the list and make a claim at www.gov.uk/government/statistical-data-sets/unclaimed-estates-list

More from Sussex News

‘A Kick In The Teeth For Lewes’: Lib Dem MP Expresses Disappointment Over Bus Station Loss

Lewes Lib Dems, including MP James MacCleary, have reacted after efforts to persuade Secretary of State Angela Rayner to overturn the South Downs National Park Authority’s (SDNPA) decision to allow the demolition of Lewes bus station were unsuccessful.
Results For Worthing’s Bathing Water Sites Revealed

Teams from Worthing Borough Council are working with the Environment Agency and Southern Water to identify sources of pollution impacting the town’s seawater.
£100,000 Robbery Of Bexhill Mobile Phone Store

An estimated £100,000 worth of electronic equipment was stolen from a shop in Bexhill on Monday evening (November 25).
Organisations In Wealden Receive Funding To Help Tackle Inequalities In Physical Activity

Six organisations have received grant awards to support physical activity projects within Wealden and improve health and wellbeing outcomes.
Festive Children’s Stories Brought To Life With Interactive Story Session

A selection of festive stories for young children will be brought to life in Chichester’s historic Guildhall in Priory Park thanks to an interactive Christmas story session.
Jail Time For Shop Owner Who Sold Illegal Tobacco

A shop owner who failed to appear in court after the discovery of £6,000 worth of illegal tobacco and cigarettes has been jailed.
Funding Boost For Community-Led Waste Prevention Projects In West Sussex

West Sussex County Council has partnered with its recycling and waste contractor Biffa, to launch a new Waste Prevention Community Grant Fund for community-based household waste prevention projects in West Sussex.
Newhaven RNLI Welcomes Quartet Of Mayors To Share Gratitude

Mayors of Peacehaven (Debbie Donovan), Seaford (Sally Markwell), Lewes (Imogen Makepeace) and deputy Mayor of Newhaven (Kim Bishop) were welcomed today by Susan Carroll, Newhaven RNLI’s LMG Chair to visit the lifeboat station. Roger Cohen MBE, (LOM) showed them around.
University Of Brighton Launches Health Innovation Hub To Tackle Health Challenges

The University of Brighton today unveiled its groundbreaking new Health Innovation Hub designed to reshape health research, education, and practice by addressing critical health challenges through collaboration, innovation, and education.
New Residential Care Home For Disabled Children In Brighton

Brighton & Hove City Council are developing a new residential home for disabled children and young people in the city.