Genealogy Chat

I've just looked at the details for the prisoners in Gloucester Gaol again - in those pre-photograph days in the 1830s they have given really detailed (every facial mole counted) descriptions of them. Later, in the 1860s, its just colour of eyes/hair/complexion, but for all they give height and its amazing how small (and probably malnourished) these men were - my murderous relative was the tallest at 5'10" but the average height is about 5'3". What sad stories are told in the bare details too. There's a James Barnes the Younger, unemployed, charged with stealing a pair of boots with a labourer, Rosanna Barnes. The name below their's is James Barnes the Elder, a labourer, charged with "feloniously receiving the above boots knowing them to have been stolen".

Hallo Some of you may know that I have a gt x 4 uncle who is listed in Broadmoor Lunatic Asylum in censuses 1871-1901. I found out that he was in Gloucester Gaol in 1862 and sent to the Gloucestershire Record Office for details - they have the prison register online which gave me the reference. I've just received today (very long 3 week wait!!!) their photocopies. As well as various gt grandfathers done for nicking things off the local lord of the manor, I have found out that gt Uncle Wm. was accused of murdering Sarah Moss in Rendcomb in 1862 and that he was acquitted on the grounds of insanity. He was sentenced "to be kept in short customdy int he gaol until her Majest's pleasure be known" and later he was "Removed to the Criminal Lunatic Asylum London by Secretary of State's warrant". It's amazing to look at a copy of the entry and think of what happened. I had no idea there was anything like this in my family. It must have been completely hushed up! Helen