Militia Barracks

[MrsA]

Hi, not sure where to post this but here goes....

I have been looking into 'branches' of my tree and came across a 29 year old man who is part of this branch... on 1871 census he is listed as living in Militia Barracks, Preston as a Special Inmate.. his occupation is listed as Volunteer Corporal and iron turner.... Can anyone tell me what this would mean?

Special inmate... had no where to live, joined the barracks for food and lodgings?
Volunteer Corporal?
After 1871 i cannot find him whatsoever. I cant find any full information regarding these barracks but to be honest i have only just come across this information.
All help/guidance appreciated

MrsA

[MrsA]

Just replying to myself really; adding information i have found out, to throw into the mix...

The countyjail stands at the end of Church-street, in an enclosed plotof about an acre, with attached grounds of about 5 acres; was constructed on the penitentiary plan, with capacityfor 242 male and 33 female prisoners; underwent extensive alterations, improvements, and enlargements from1825 till 1864, so as to have capacity for 930 prisoners; and was proposed, in 1866, to be further enlarged by newcells for females and by an hospital, at a cost of £10, 500. The quarterly sessions court-house adjoins the jail; and includes a hall, 45 feet by 45. Militia barracks and stores stand in the jail grounds, were erected in 1856, and present an ornamental appearance.

So could this mean, that my man was in jail and was told to go to the Militia?
Its the 'Special Inmate' that baffles me, there are plenty of families on the census for the same place and at the bottom of my page are 4 'Special Inmates' each of whom are Volunteer <something> + occupation.

Thanks again
MrsA

[Peter Goodey]

The term 'inmate' didn't have any special meaning in censuses apart from the dictionary definition.

Unless anyone knows anything different, I would say that it's pretty clear that 'Special inmate' simply looks to be the term invented by the enumerator (or the information provider) for the 12 volunteers (ie part-time soldiers) who happened to be in barracks on census night ('temporary inmates', if you like).

I would say that they were most definitely not prisoners.

[MrsA]

OK, Thank you for your reply, much appreciated :D