Prisoner enquiry

[Lizzy9]

I have an inmate in gaol in Nottingham 1881 census, this chap was from West Yorkshire. Can anyone tell me ....... would he have been living in Nott's at the time of his crime, or is it possible he offended in W. Yorks but was imprisoned in Nott's? Another question....if it was a fairly minor offence would any records be available, if so where?

Many thanks

[Geoffers]

He could have lived elsewhere. Where and whether you find records depends to some extent on a bit of luck - not all ahve survived, not all are available.

You might try Nottinghamshire RO - this appears to be their web-site wth details of how to contact them
http://www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/libraries/Archives/

The National Archives (TNA) has loads of resaech guides giving information, including.....
http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/catalogue/RdLeaflet.asp?sLeafletID=253

Newspapers can often be a good source of information - but of course you need to know when and where someone was convicted.

[Geoffers]

further to my last, Nottinghamshire Archives has this link to court records which it holds
http://www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/home/leisure/archives/archivescollections/summaryguide/archivescourt.htm

I cannot immediately see much for the actual prison, the records of which may still be held by the prison itself, whose contact details are here:

http://www.hmprisonservice.gov.uk/prisoninformation/locateaprison/prison.asp?id=1016,15,2,15,1016,0

[Lizzy9]

Hi Geoffers,

Many thanks for your help on this one. You have answered my query on wether a person would necessarily be imprisoned in the area where an offence was commited. The websites you've sugested look interesting and I'll take a look at them tonight when I shall have peace and quiet, and therefore be able to concentrate.

Thanks for your time and help, it's much appreciated.

Slizzy

[Peter Goodey]

I would recommend this research guide -
http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/catalogue/RdLeaflet.asp?sLeafletID=120

It contains a useful chart of Calendars and Registers. I haven't checked to see what might cover your query but I feel in my water that the National Archives route is likely to be the most efficient.

[Lizzy9]

Thanks for your suggestion Peter, it seems I shall be busy this evening.

Much appreciated

Slizzy