Genealogy Chat

I have a possible relative who died in 1866. The death cert says formal hanging of a prisoner Wormwood Scrubs. However the prison at Wormwood Scrubs wasn't built until 1875. I don't know what this person did to warrant the death penalty and am having trouble finding anything out. I've been to the National Archives a couple of times but it's such a minefield. I don't have any other idea's.

perhaps he was a prisoner somewhere else and hanged at a park in Wormwoods Scrubs? Ie a public hanging? Maybe old newspaper articles would hold reports ? good luck Kim

Try this site http://www.richard.clark32(.)btinternet(.)co(.)uk/contents.html remove brackets. Karen

Thanks Karen, I've emailed so I'll wait and see if anything comes up. Jean, I think I've looked at the murder files before but I'm not sure he was hanged for murder. His death cert doesn't state what his crime was. I'll have another look though as anything is worth a try. Kim, I think a trip to Colindale might be on the cards! lol Thanks for your help everyone Naomi xx

I don't think I have Linda. Do you have any details?

Was the scrubs built on the site of a former prison? Also some prisons were built at the site of gallows was there one on this site? If you have gone down this road, have you tryed the London dungons or other prison musums, the prison servis might be of help as well. There is an article in (www)Victorianlondon(.org)/prisons/wormwood.htm. remove brackets.

You might find him here http://www(.)real-crime(.)co(.)uk/Murder1/docm(.)htm

Hi Guys, Peter, The prison is built on Wormwood Scrubs, I've tried finding out if there was a gallows on the site before the current prison was built but I can't find anything to suggest this was the case. It's something I'm going to have to follow up. Carol & Linda, thanks for these sites, I'll go and have a look and see what I can find (if anything!) Naomi x

I wanted to update anyone that might be interested to know that the lovely people at Hammersmith & Fulham Archives sent me the reply below. Obviously they like a challenge! lol Naomi x 13 December 2004 Dear Mrs Maynard, Thank you for your email of 10 December. In March 1874 the government purchased the freehold of 20 acres of poor grazing land at Wormwood Scrubs from the Ecclesiastical Commissioners for the purpose of building a prison. A temporary structure was erected and the first convicts were transferred there in December 1874 to begin work on the permanent building. There was no earlier prison and I have found no record of a gallows there in 1865. I am puzzled by the information on the death certificate. If you will send me a photocopy of the document I will try and explain it. There may be a reference in the local newspaper that will help. Yours sincerely, Anne Wheeldon Archivist-Public Service Hammersmith & Fulham Archives and Local History Centre The Lilla Huset 191 Talgarth Road London W6 8BJ 020 8741 5159 [email protected]

Hi Linda It looks as though only UK people can join the Bedford Library. The sub needs a postcode and won't accept my New Zealand one :-( and I was hoping to have a look at the Times archives. Sylvia