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Convict !!!

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Catherine

Catherine Report 9 Apr 2006 22:36

Just discovered thro 1891 census that one of my rellies is listed as 'Convict Portland prison,Dorset ' - ( no sign of rest of family on 1891 at all). He came from Darlington, so was it usual to send criminals to prison in other parts of the country then, or would he have to be living in the area when he committed his crime ?Any idea how I can find out what he was sent to prison for ? Thanks, Cath

Paul Barton, Special Agent

Paul Barton, Special Agent Report 9 Apr 2006 22:43

Records are held at Dorset Archive Service Bridport Road DORCHESTER Dorset DT1 1RP Telephone:- U.K. 01305 250550 dorset-cc.gov(.)uk/records(.)htm My ancestor was held on remand for a month in 1831 but they still kept his records including a detailed physical description. Brilliant. See also blacksheepancestors(.)com/uk/prisons(.)shtml

Gary

Gary Report 10 Apr 2006 06:47

most local gaols wer used to lock up petty criminals, drunks etc, but if you were given a longer term 1 year plus including Hard labour you would be sent away to a large gaol to serve it, Portland being a main one as was also Gillingham in Kent, so if he was not from Dorset chances are he was sent there from a far

Catherine

Catherine Report 11 Apr 2006 12:31

Thanks very much Paul + Gary for your replies. Will contact Dorset Archives and see what they come up with! Cath.

Linda in the Midlands

Linda in the Midlands Report 11 Apr 2006 12:52

can you let me know how you get on please? I think I have found one of my rellies there in 1901