RootsChat.Com
England (Counties as in 1851-1901) => England => Yorkshire (North Riding) => Topic started by: sally75 on Monday 16 October 06 06:57 BST (UK)
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Hi There
I've found one of my ancestors locked up in York Castle, for debt, and was wondering if anyone knew where I'd be able to find any records about it. I can't find his wife and children in the census, so don't know where they'd be. The family was from Leeds, so isn't it a bit of a long way to be sent from Leeds to prison in York?
I hope someone can shed some light.
Sally.
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Hi Sally , could you give us any of your ancestors details- we might be able to do some digging if we Know more....
All the best
Woodydog
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Hi Woodydog
My ancestor in the prison was called George Day, born circa 1807 in Thimbleby, Lincolnshire. He was a greengrocer. The 1851 census says he was a debtor. It must be him, as there is no one else in the 1851 census with the same name as him, close in age or place of birth. I can't find his wife or children, expect one child who is living with an uncle and aunt in Leeds. In the 1841 and 1861 onwards censuses he's found in Leeds.
Anyway additional information would be great. Would you know if his family would have been housed near him, whilst in prison?
I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Sally.
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The records for York Castle Prison are held at York Castle Museum You have to make an apointment to view. There was a male and female debtors prison as well as the Felons i.e criminal one. Some legislation earlier in the century obliged prisons to separate debtors from criminal prisoners, but can't remember when at the moment. Debors got better treatment. As a trader he could have gone bankrupt if the debts were greater than £50 presumably he did not know this. He was likely in there at the same time as one of my ancestors. A good site for finding out about the criminal side of the family is the Black Sheep Index
http://www.lightage.demon.co.uk/
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Hi There
Many thanks for this information. It's really helpful, and to know that my ancestor (hopefully) wasn't treated as bad as a criminal.
I'm hoping to visit my family (mainly the living ones!) in England next year, so I'll remember to try and get an appointment at the York Castle Musem.
Many thanks.
Sally.