"Goal" what does it mean!

[jamy]

I have come across this word in some of the census or "county goal" can someone confirm does this word mean prison?? Thanks a naive Jamy

[Mike_E]

Hi,

are you sure it didn't say Gaol?

Jail and Gaol are the same thing, just most people use Jail which is an Americanism I think (might be wrong)

Jail, or gaol, is a correctional institution used to detain persons who are in the lawful custody of the government.

[jamy]

Thankyou so much mike sorry about the spelling!! with there being so many people at the address it seemed logical for it to mean some kind of institution.