The first thing you need to do is to get a copy of the Will to make sure that such a legacy was actually decreed. You would also find out to whom Probate was granted and you would have to trace down the Executors to find why, assuming it was decreed, the legacy was not paid out. Possibly if the legatee could not be found. If the person died intestate whatever money there was would be held by the Treasury for 30 years and if no claimant appeared in that time it would revert to the Treasury. If the Will was proved and Letters of Administration were granted but a legatee could not be found perhaps the money reverted to the Treasury as well but I am not sure about that. I suggest you google Wills and Probate - there is a lot of information and links as to where you could get answers.