Genealogy Chat

Access to Gale databases just takes a few minutes.
Here is one library that gives you free access from home.
http://www.lancashire.gov.uk/libraries/borrower/application_form.asp
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Scroll down and fill out the form.

I managed to find out why my ancestor was in prison in 1851 by looking at the 'Gale' newspaper archive when there was a free trial once.
May be worthwhile keeping an eye out for another free trial.
Other than that, the local records office for the area may have something.

Ok thanks for all your help Jim,

Have a nice day x

I actually don't know the answer.I would imagine there are millions of records not online.
If it was possible to narrow down the area there will be newspapers in Surrey libraries.

Hi Jim,

Thanks for getting back to me so quick.

The birth of his daughter is Amelia Morton. I have also seen the witness statement.

When i searched him he is listed on the 1851 census as a criminal prisoner in The County Gaol of Surrey. Do you think they could be held somewhere or could it be possible they were never recorded?

Thanks for your help on this

James Smith Morton
1/ birth of a daughter 25/04/1832 Charterhouse St
2/ 04/11/1838 A provision merchant in Walbrook. Witness to an assault.
There are 8 hits for this name but none refer to a prison sentence.
I know one refers to a juvenile so it would seem there is more than one person with this name.

Hi Jim,

The guy i'm searcing for a James Smith Morton born 1803c in Surrey. On the 1851 Census he is listed as a "criminal Prisoner".

Any help would be much appreciated.

Thank You,

Rebeka

Now if I had details then I could search:-
19th Century British Library Newspapers
19th Century British Library Newspapers contains full runs of 48 influential national and regional newspapers representing different political and cultural segments of the 19th century British society.

Thanks Alan,

Does anyone know of anywhere i can find why my ancestor was is jail (or Gaol as it says) on the 1851 Census?

Thanks