records of crimes

[ejt]

Can anyone tell me where to look for records of crimes or/and newspaper articles? I need to look because my g.grandfather moved himself and family out of Colchester to Brighton rather swiftly...my v.elderly aunt said that she remembers being told that it was a 'midnight flit'(?)and that he was standing bail for someone and perhaps things went wrong??I'd love to know the real story.It all happened sometime between 1891 and 1901.
Elaine

[suttontrust]

The starting place would be the local press.  If something newsworthy happened the local paper would have carried it, and Colchester library probably has the archives.  Perhaps it would be easier to narrow down the dates a bit first.

[ejt]

Thanks,
I'd like to be able to narrow down the dates but only have information on where the family is from the 1891 and 1901 census entries.
 Well, looks like a long job to go through the papers  but it may be worth it.
Maybe there are police/court records too??
Thanks again.
Elaine

[suttontrust]

If you're lucky, the library will have indexed the newspapers.  If you're not near Colchester it's worth an email to them to ask.

[jorose]

There are also local court records - would be at the county record office usually.  Often not indexed, though.   Quarter sessions, petty sessions, etc.

What were their occupations?  Names? Were any children born between the 1891 and 1901 censuses, were any family members (aunts, uncles) left behind in Colchester?

[ejt]

Thanks Suttontrust and jorose,
Whoops on re-checking my census notes I have noticed that the family moved between 1881 and 1891 (not 1891 - 1901) and yes there was a child born in 1887 in Colchester so it narrows down the dates of moving...thanks, don't know why I didn't think of that myself!
The dad in 1881 was a 'confectioner' and strangely doesn't appear with the family in Brighton in 1891, but reappears (with a different first name) in 1901 as a 'baker'. I thought may be that was in prison or something in 1891 but it seems he was on a ship/boat as a 'donkey engine driver'.
I still must try to find out why they moved though - thanks for the tips.
Elaine

[jorose]

Neat, I just learnt something new! A donkey engine was a small engine used for hoisting or pumping on-board ship, or a small locomotive.

Confectioner to baker sounds likely, but what was he doing on the boat?  Maybe he couldn't find any other work at first, or maybe he was hiding...

[uk2003]

Hi ejt

Have you tried "The Black Sheep Index" I found my Gt Gt Grandfather on it

http://www.lightage.demon.co.uk/BSINOTES.htm#Top

Regards
Ken

[ejt]

Thanks Ken... no nothing there.
Something in me wants to find an interesting story, a dark and mysterious character to be discovered in the lost mists of time...but no, he was probably just your average guy...still I'll keep looking.
I bet there are some interesting stories from other researchers.?
Regards, Elaine