Richmond County wills are extant only from 1699, but the compiler of this useful work has bridged the gap by substituting information from Order Books, 1692-1699, thereby extending the possibilities for genealogical enquiry. The entries, which consist mainly of abstracts of wills and inventories and refer to about 8,000 persons, are arranged throughout the work in chronological order.

Fothergill's work improves upon William A. Crozier's efforts for Westmoreland County by including abstracts of wills of one entire volume (1665-77) omitted by Crozier, and extending Crozier's period of coverage (in Virginia County Records, New Series, Vol. I) by six years to 1800. About 8,000 related individuals are mentioned in 1,200 will abstracts, which typically give the name of the decedent, dates of recording and probate, heirs, executors, and, sometimes, the place of residence. Crucial for anyone doing research in Westmoreland County.

An index of wills recorded in local courts of Virginia, 1632-1800, and of administrations on estates shown by inventories of the estates of intestates recorded in will (and other) books of local courts, 1632-1800.