Genealogy Chat

At one time, small towns and villages had single cell 'lock ups'.
One can be seen here:
http://gallery.nen.gov.uk/image70974-.html

Here's a potted history of the Elvet lock up:
At the Saddler Street end of Elvet Bridge stood St James�s Chapel which was replaced by a House of Correction in 1632. Two PRISON CELLS associated with the long since demolished Great North Gate in Saddler Street can be seen beneath the western land arch of Elvet Bridge. The cells are reputed to be haunted by the GHOST OF JIMMY ALLAN, a gypsy piper who was one of the most notorious and colourful characters in the history of Northumbria. Jimmy was an adopted member of the Faas, a famous gypsy clan who inhabited the Cheviot Hills on the border between England and Scotland. Jimmy�s father Wull Faa had taught him to play the Northumbrian pipes at a very young age and the young man�s musical talents caught the attention of people far and wide until he eventually succeeded in becoming the official piper to the Duchess of Northumberland, a post he held for two years

I got the above informatin from here:
http://www.northeastengland.talktalk.net/DurhamCityElvet.htm

maggie

For institutions like prisons and workhouses, GR only show the record of the named person. If you look at the image you can see who else is on the same page but not on the other pages.

Why don't you try Durham Records Office. I googled and whilst they don't appear to have prison records, they do have Quarter Sessions data and they will do searches. The prison records are held in the National Archive but are not online.

From using resources on GR and ancestry I was able to see whether the person was married (although no names listed), age, year of birth, place of birth and profession...I guess if everything matches then it is pretty likely, especially if it is an uncommon first name or surname.

Thank You for all your help Elisabeth, I am looking at the prisoners list on ancestry now. Thanks Again.

No Idea why no one else came up on GR though...

Emma,

It is all for the same prison. I don't know Durham at all, but perhaps it is what is now Durham Prison. There are dozens of both male and female prisoners.

I can't help with what GR have in the way of census records as I just use Ancestry.

Message me your email address, if you would lilke further on the page.

Elisabeth

Thank You Elisabeth, is that for the same Prison? Or various Prisons?

Would anyone be able to tell me whether GR have the full census records for 1901 due to me not being able to access anyone else in the same establishment.

Thanks.

Emma,

There are 18 pages of prisoners, warders, matron etc. listed on Ancestry.

All are at District: H M Prison

Elisabeth

Thank You Alan!

I should really start googling things!

Emma

this is taken from "google"
Might explain a few things.
At the Saddler Street end of Elvet Bridge stood St James�s Chapel which was replaced by a House of Correction in 1632. Two PRISON CELLS associated with the long since demolished Great North Gate in Saddler Street can be seen beneath the western land arch of Elvet Bridge. The cells are reputed to be haunted by the GHOST OF JIMMY ALLAN, a gypsy piper

I was looking for an ancestor and came across a William Dawson, who was a prisoner at the 'Old Elvet, Durham'. I clicked to view other people living there and found no one. No other prisoners, no authoritive figures. It has him listed as married, and has a profession listed....could this be right?

Why are no other people recorded there if he is a prisoner?
Who's prisoner is he?
Surely he could not retain an occupation, would this just be remarking on his previous occupation??

Any help greatly appreciated

Emma

EDIT: forgot to include, this is the 1901 census.