Finding a 19th Century Convict

[Chrissy]

Hello

Have discovered an ancestor who was in Pentonville Prison in the 1881 census, and in another Prison in Portsea Hampshire in the 1891 census, would anyone have any idea if it is possible to find out what he had done?

Would appreciate any help

Many Thanks

Chrissy

[uksearch]

You may find something at the following link.

UK

blacksheepancestors

[susan-w]

UKsearch, I certainly got lucky at that site.

Also, your local library might subscribe to The Times Digital Archives. You can search the full text for names. The character recognition isn't always too good, though, but with an imaginative search, you might be lucky.

The National Archives has some records of trials, so you could search their catalogue. I'm not sure how useful it'd be. Someone else might know.
http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/

Also the London Metropolitan Archives, as they cover Pentonville. Again someone else would know far more than me...

[Geoffers]

Have discovered an ancestor who was in Pentonville Prison in the 1881 census, and in another Prison in Portsea Hampshire in the 1891 census, would anyone have any idea if it is possible to find out what he had done?
Chrissy
TNA has a research guide on sources which they retain
http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/catalogue/RdLeaflet.asp?sLeafletID=253

As he had been a naughty boy at least twice, I wonder if he might appear in the register of habitual criminals. These records were created by the Prevention of Crime Act 1871. TNA holds a register from 1869-1876 in PCOM2/404 and for 1881-2 and 1889 onwards in MEPO6/1-52. Also in MEPO6 are Police Gazettes, which describe offenders. The Habitual Criminals Registers contain a description, address , length of current sentence and offence.

Documentsonline has a collection of photos of prisoners on their site.

Local record offices often have court records for their area.

Geoffers

[Chrissy]

Thank you very much for your tips and suggestions, I shall start right away, will let you know if anything turns up.

Chrissy

[fairman]

Hi,
I am trying to find out whether or which ciminal London gang my great, great, granfather Edward Coleman would have led. He was born in Shadwell. Stepney, London in approximately 1860 and would have been in charge of a London Irish Gang between 1874-1890. His profession was first that of a carman, then he was then employed as a stevedore at the London Docks until 1913. Any advice or information would be gratefully appreciated, Neil.

[specspec]

you mite find him here http://www.oldbaileyonline.org/index.jsp

[blacksheep]

I have the folloing reference in my index:

Name First Age Work Address Year
COLEMAN EDWARD CARMAN COMMERCIAL RD EAST 1880