Manchester Gaol Records

[Ann AW]

In the 1871 census my 3xgreat grandfather Timothy Coleburn was in Manchester Gaol, does anyone know if there are prison records going back that far and if so where they are kept, I would like to know which crime he committed and his sentence.
I would appreciate any help,
Thanks.
Ann

[tfossey]

Ann,

I am following a similar quest, I found my G.G.G.Grandfather in Parkhurst in the 1881 census and I'm still trying to find details of the crime. As far as I can see, all of the court records and many prison records are in the National Archive in Kew, London. You can look through the index on the NA website to see what volumes they have but you need to visit Kew to actually do the research.

The NA will make copies for you but as the index in this area will only take you to the volume that the details you want are (probably) in, it would be very expensive to get the entire volume copied.

I understand though that under the Freedom of Information Act, from January 2005 the NA will be offering a search service to find the details for you, but of course you will need to pay for this also.

http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk (http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/)

Good luck

[Ann AW]

Hi,
Many thanks for taking the time to reply and for the info, looks like it's not going to be easy!
Thanks again and good luck in your quest,

Ann:)

[John]

Hi,
Many thanks for taking the time to reply and for the info, looks like it's not going to be easy!
Thanks again and good luck in your quest,

Ann:)
Ann, during the riots at Strangeways a few years ago, a lot of records were destroyed. I'm not sure though how far back these records went.

John

[uksearch]

I do not know if these people are still active here, but if you are check the information on the coverage of Manchester Prison records at the link below.

UK